Net-Based Harness Load Distribution and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lightweight harnesses fail to minimize weight while maintaining optimal comfort and strength, often sacrificing comfort for weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating structural net regions on the leg loops and/or waist belt with load-bearing net structures, edge tape, shape mesh, proximal fabric, and distal fabric, and non-stitch or stitch transitions to enhance comfort and breathability while minimizing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional lightweight materials (webbing, cord, warp yarn) are used to minimize weight, then weight is reduced, but comfort and force distribution are sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines net material with webbing/cord/warp yarn to create a composite structure. The net regions provide comfort and force distribution, while the webbing/cord/warp yarn provides structural integrity and weight savings. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties rather than using a single material for the entire harness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials to different regions of the harness. Net material is used in regions requiring comfort and force distribution (contact areas), while webbing/cord/warp yarn is used in regions requiring structural support. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between weight and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If wide regions are used to distribute forces and maintain comfort, then force distribution and comfort are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where net regions provide wide surface area for force distribution without the weight penalty of traditional wide webbing. The net structure achieves both comfort and weight reduction simultaneously through its unique material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The net material's porous structure allows it to provide wide contact areas for force distribution while maintaining low weight. The open mesh structure reduces material density compared to solid webbing, enabling wide regions without proportional weight increase.
3Strength
If heavy stitching is used to intercouple lightweight materials and maintain strength, then strength is maintained, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the net regions with webbing/cord/warp yarn regions through integrated construction methods. This merging eliminates the need for heavy stitching to connect separate components, as the materials are joined in a way that distributes loads across the entire structure, reducing the need for additional reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of net and webbing/cord/warp yarn creates inherent load paths that distribute forces across material boundaries without requiring heavy stitching. The combination of materials provides both connection and structural integrity simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention is related to a harness system including a waist member and a leg loop member. The two leg loop members are configured to encircle the legs of the user and are coupled to the waist member. The leg loop members each comprise a net-leg region, a waist coupling region, and two net-waist transition regions. The net-leg region comprises a load bearing net structure having a plurality of independent recesses defined by an intercoupled mesh material. The waist member may also include a similar net-waist region, leg coupling region, and two net-leg transition regions. The net-leg and net-waist regions may include at least one of edge tape, shape mesh, proximal fabric, and distal fabric. The net-waist transition regions and the net-leg transition regions may comprise either a non-stitch transition or a stitch coupling to the waist and leg coupling regions respectively.