Hip-Mounted Self-Retracting Lifeline to Prevent Head Strike
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-retracting lifeline systems attached to a metal ring on the back of a harness can strike the user's head during a fall, posing safety risks and discomfort due to the device's positioning.
Innovation Solution
A self-retracting lifeline system with a retracting device attached to a backpack energy absorber, where the webbing extends from the device to the user's hip, ensuring the device is spaced from the head and improving balance by positioning it on the hip when not in use, and incorporating a breakaway accessory keeper to secure and release accessories under force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the self-retracting lifeline device is attached to a metal ring on the back of the harness, then the device can be securely mounted, but the device may strike the user's head during a fall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the self-retracting lifeline device from a vertical orientation (attached to the back of the harness near the head) to a horizontal orientation (attached to the hip area). This dimensional change in positioning removes the device from the vertical path where it could strike the user's head during a fall, while maintaining secure mounting through the hip belt attachment mechanism.
2Reliability
If the retracting device is positioned on the back of the harness, then it provides fall protection, but it causes discomfort and balance issues for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the retracting device from the vertical dimension (back of the harness near the head) to the horizontal dimension (hip area). This repositioning distributes the device's weight and bulk away from the user's center of gravity and head area, improving balance and comfort while maintaining fall protection capability through the hip belt attachment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the webbing is made long enough to reach the hip, then the device can be positioned away from the head, but the webbing may snag on objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-retracting mechanism that dynamically adjusts the webbing length based on movement and tension. When the user moves or falls, the webbing automatically pays out or retracts, preventing excessive length that could snag on objects while maintaining sufficient length to reach from the hip attachment point, thus eliminating the snagging risk associated with fixed-length webbing.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-retracting lifeline system including a self-retracting lifeline including a retracting device and webbing extending from the retracting device, and a backpack energy absorber configured to attach to a harness at a back of a user wearing the harness, wherein the webbing includes a first end attached to the retracting device and a second end attached to the backpack energy absorber.