Combination Leg Pad and Trauma Strap for Fall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection equipment, such as safety harnesses with lifelines or lanyards, can cause suspension trauma or orthostatic intolerance due to restricted blood circulation, and traditional trauma straps often add bulk and can be incorrectly connected or lost.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a trauma strap into the leg padding of safety harnesses, positioning it on the outer thigh, which reduces bulk, minimizes the risk of misconnection or loss, and ensures consistent deployment by routing the leg strap through a channel formed by the pad cover and housing panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional trauma straps are used to prevent suspension trauma, then blood circulation is improved, but the safety harness bulk increases and connection errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The trauma strap is integrated into the leg pad assembly, merging two separate components (trauma strap and leg pad) into a single unified unit. The trauma strap is positioned within the leg pad housing panel, eliminating the need for separate trauma strap attachment and reducing overall bulk while maintaining the trauma prevention function.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg pad assembly serves multiple functions: it provides cushioning for the leg, houses the trauma strap for suspension trauma prevention, and integrates the connection channel for seamless attachment to the safety harness. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate trauma strap components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional trauma straps are attached separately to the safety harness, then trauma protection is provided, but connection errors and loss risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trauma strap and leg pad are merged into a single integrated assembly that attaches as one unit to the safety harness leg strap. This eliminates the separate attachment steps and reduces the likelihood of connection errors or loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg pad housing panel acts as an intermediary structure that contains the trauma strap and provides a dedicated connection channel. This intermediary design ensures proper positioning and reliable connection to the safety harness while protecting the trauma strap from loss.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If retrofitted trauma straps are added to existing safety harnesses, then trauma protection is improved, but bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trauma strap is combined with the leg pad into a single integrated assembly that can be retrofitted as one unit. This merging approach adds trauma protection functionality without requiring multiple separate attachments or components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination leg pad and trauma strap comprises a trauma strap and a leg pad. The trauma strap includes an intermediate portion interconnecting a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a loop forming a first portion and a second portion. The leg pad includes a pad, a pad cover, and a housing panel. The first portion is positioned proximate the housing panel and the second portion is positioned between the pad cover and the pad. The pad cover and the housing panel form a channel through the loop between the first and second portions configured and arranged to receive a leg strap of a safety harness thereby connecting the trauma strap to the safety harness when installed on the safety harness.