Inflatable Webbing Adjustment for Securing Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for securing people and goods face challenges in flexible adaptation to external proportions, leading to irregular force distribution and usability limitations, particularly due to restrictive adjustment mechanisms and high costs associated with complex designs.
Innovation Solution
A safety device featuring multiple adjustable webbings with inflatable air cushions and a manual pumping system, allowing for variable volume adjustment and multiple uses, with elastic lines and fastening devices that can be easily operated and adapted to different body or object shapes, reducing costs and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the webbing length is adjusted by threading the strap back at different points, then the safety harness can be adapted to body proportions, but the adjustment is not made regularly and force distribution becomes irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system (threading strap through holes) with an automated pneumatic system. Inflatable bladders connected to a compressed air system automatically adjust webbing tension and length, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent, reliable force distribution across the user's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety harness transitions from a static structure with fixed adjustment points to a dynamic system where webbing length and tension can be continuously adjusted in real-time. The inflatable bladders allow the harness to adapt its configuration dynamically, maintaining optimal force distribution as conditions change.
2Ease of operation
If ratchets are used to adjust webbing length for securing goods, then length adjustment is achieved, but irregular distribution of force on goods occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ratchet systems with pneumatic inflation mechanisms. The inflatable bladders provide smooth, continuous adjustment of webbing tension without the discrete steps and irregular force distribution characteristic of ratchet systems, ensuring uniform force application to secured goods.
3Strength
If adjustment elements are firmly connected to belt straps, then structural integrity is maintained, but the possibility of adjustment is greatly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where inflatable bladders are firmly attached to provide structural integrity when inflated, but can be easily deflated and repositioned or replaced. The pneumatic connection allows the system to transition between a fixed, strong state and an adjustable, flexible state.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment elements (inflatable bladders) are designed to be replaceable and reconfigurable. When adjustment or replacement is needed, the bladders can be deflated, removed, and replaced without compromising the overall structural integrity of the harness system.
4Reliability
If a safety device is designed for specific body proportions, then secure fit is guaranteed, but cost-intensive one-off production is necessitated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal safety harness design that can accommodate various body proportions through the adjustable inflatable bladders. A single base model can be customized for different users by adjusting the inflation level and positioning of the bladders, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific production runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (inflation level, volume, pressure) of the adjustable elements to adapt the harness fit rather than creating different physical configurations. This allows a single design to serve multiple body types by simply changing the operational parameters of the inflatable components.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjustment element takes up a relatively large area of the legs, then blood supply constriction is prevented, but heat build-up in the leg area occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adjustment elements (inflatable bladders) strategically at specific locations where force concentration would cause blood supply constriction, rather than covering large continuous areas. The localized inflation points provide protection exactly where needed while leaving other areas open for heat dissipation.
6Reliability
If the pressure pad is extended over the entire extent of the webbing, then goods are secured against displacement, but the structure becomes expensive and requires large amounts of air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the webbing into multiple sections with individually inflatable bladders positioned at key contact points with the goods, rather than using a single continuous pad covering the entire webbing length. This segmented approach provides effective securing at critical points while reducing overall material usage, air requirements, and cost.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and comfortable means of securing people and goods by allowing adjustable force distribution and easy adaptation to varying proportions, ensuring reliable and efficient securing without the need for complex and costly structures.
Implementation Method 1
The feed device is designed as a hand pump, which is firmly connected to the valve of the adjustment element. The safety device correspondingly comprises an actuating device, designed for example as a rubber ball, for actuating the pump.
Implementation Method 2
The air cushion is designed in the form of shorts or long trousers, with the air cushion being arranged between the person wearing the safety harness and the webbing. The adjustment element is automatically inflated after an impact is detected, so that the total volume of the adjustment element increases.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a securing device for securing goods or persons, comprising at least a first webbing (2), at least a first adjustment element (3) arranged on the first webbing (2) with at least a first inner chamber, wherein the total volume of the first adjustment element (3) is variable, a first feed device (10a) with a first line (11a) for feeding a filling medium into the at least first inner chamber of the first adjustment element (3), and an actuating device (12a; 12b) for actuating the feed device (10a; 10b). A securing device for securing goods or persons, which reliably and flexibly adapts to the external proportions of the goods or persons to be secured.The safety of the persons to be protected is made possible according to the invention by the fact that the actuating device (12a; 12b) comprises at least one manual pumping device (13; 15), and that a manually operable valve arrangement is provided for controlling the quantity of the filling medium to be discharged from the first inner chamber of the first adaptation element (3), and that the actuating device and the manually operable valve arrangement are each designed for multiple actuating cycles.