Lineman Harness Adapter Three-Point Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harnesses for linemen can restrict blood flow and vision due to their design, particularly front-attached and single-point back-attached configurations, which are unsafe and hinder movement during rescue and repair work.
Innovation Solution
A three-point adapter for full body harnesses that distributes weight evenly and positions the safety line behind the user, eliminating visual obstructions and movement restrictions, allowing for safe connection of multiple users without hindering their work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If front-attached harnesses are used, then safety support is provided, but vision and movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional front-attached harness configuration by moving the attachment point to the back of the user. The safety cable attaches to a back D-ring instead of the chest, allowing the cable to run behind the user's body. This inversion eliminates visual obstruction and movement restriction while maintaining safety support functionality.
2Reliability
If back-attached harnesses with single-point attachment are used, then safety support is provided, but blood flow in legs is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single-point back attachment into a three-point attachment system. In addition to the back D-ring attachment, two leg loops are added that attach to D-rings on the harness. This segmentation distributes the supporting force across three points (back and both legs), preventing the leg loops from tightening and restricting blood flow while maintaining safety support.
3Reliability
If connecting safety rope is placed in front of lower person, then connection between linemen is achieved, but vision is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion to the connection configuration by placing the safety cable and attachment points at the back of the lower user rather than in front. The cable runs behind the user's body to connect to the upper user, eliminating visual obstruction while maintaining the connection functionality between linemen.
4Force
If leg loops tighten for single-point support, then weight support is achieved, but blood flow restriction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weight support function across three attachment points instead of relying solely on leg loops for single-point support. The back D-ring provides primary support, while the two leg loops provide additional support and stability. This segmentation reduces the force required from each individual attachment point, preventing leg loop tightening and blood flow restriction while maintaining adequate weight support.
Data Source
AI summary
A lineman safety harness adapter system for use in association with a harness, having: a first harness adapter having a first strap having a first top end and a first bottom end loop configured to receive a first locking element at a first bottom end, a second strap having a second top end and a second bottom end loop configured to receive a second locking element at a second bottom end, a third strap having a third top end and a third bottom end loop configured to receive a third locking element at a third bottom end; the first strap, the second strap, and the third strap meeting at the first top end, the second top end, and the third top end into a first top loop configured to receive a fourth locking element.