Positionable Connector Assembly for Safety Harness D-Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall protection equipment, such as lifelines and lanyards, face difficulties in connecting and disconnecting from a dorsal D-ring on a safety harness when it is in a downward position, limiting its usability in other positions on the harness.
Innovation Solution
A positionable connector assembly comprising a base, a connector, a friction member, and a biasing member, where the connector is pivotally connected between extensions of the base and biased toward the friction member, allowing it to be manually repositioned and held in place, facilitating easier connection and disconnection of safety devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the D-ring is positioned in a downward position on the safety harness, then the connector structure is simple and fixed, but it becomes difficult to connect and disconnect the lifeline or lanyard
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a movable connector that can be repositioned along the base between an engaged position and a disengaged position. This dynamic capability allows the connector to move freely when disengaged for easy connection/disconnection operations, while maintaining structural simplicity when engaged, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a base with extensions, a movable connector, a friction member, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the friction member provides holding force while the biasing member enables movement - making the overall system easier to operate without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is made movable and repositionable, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The base features asymmetric extensions (first extension and second extension) that create an asymmetric engagement structure with the connector. This asymmetric design provides stable positioning in the engaged state while allowing free movement in the disengaged state, achieving adaptability without requiring symmetric complexity in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction member acts as an intermediary between the biasing member and the connector, translating the biasing force into controlled friction that holds the connector in position. This intermediary mechanism allows the connector to be held securely with minimal additional components, balancing versatility and complexity.
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
Enables easier and more versatile attachment of safety devices to the safety harness by allowing the connector to be positioned and held securely in various orientations, improving user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operatively connected to the connector and configured and arranged to bias the connector toward the friction member
Implementation Method 2
a friction member positioned between the base and the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A positionable connector assembly comprises a base, a connector operatively connected to the base, a friction member positioned between the base and the connector, and a biasing member operatively connected to the connector and configured and arranged to bias the connector toward the friction member.