Quick Release Inflatable Lifejacket for Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal flotation devices often interfere with the wearer's range of motion and are cumbersome to remove, especially when integrated into outerwear or specialized clothing.
Innovation Solution
A personal flotation device comprising a body harness portion and a removably attachable inflatable lifejacket portion with a quick release connector system, allowing for easy detachment and reattachment without removing the outerwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lifejacket is integrated into outerwear or specialized clothing, then the wearer gains increased range of motion and minimal interference, but the lifejacket becomes cumbersome to remove and cannot be easily detached
Solution Approach 1:
The lifejacket is divided into separate components: the inflatable bladder assembly and the outerwear integration layer. The bladder assembly can be detached from the outerwear through a release mechanism, allowing the lifejacket to be removed independently without removing the outerwear itself. This segmentation enables easy removal while maintaining the integrated appearance during wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the lifejacket and outerwear is made dynamic rather than fixed. A release mechanism is incorporated that allows the connection to transition from a secured state during wear to a detached state for removal. This dynamic connection maintains the benefits of integration during use while enabling easy detachment when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the lifejacket is made removable without removing outerwear, then the wearer gains convenience and mobility, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component from the main lifejacket structure. This dedicated release mechanism can be activated independently to detach the lifejacket from the outerwear, providing a simple and reliable detachment process without requiring complex interaction with the rest of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick release connector serves as an intermediary element between the lifejacket and outerwear. This connector provides a simple interface that allows the lifejacket to be quickly detached from the outerwear without requiring the user to manipulate complex connection systems. The intermediary connector simplifies the detachment process while maintaining secure connection during wear.
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 increased mobility by allowing the lifejacket to be quickly and easily removed from the wearer, either in inflated or deflated states, without disturbing the underlying clothing or outerwear, maintaining safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The lifejacket can include a manual actuation mechanism for inflating the lifejacket, where the mechanism is activated by the wearer to release the inflating medium. The inflating medium typically is a cartridge of gas which is held under pressure. Such inflation medium may for example be carbon dioxide.
Implementation Method 2
A quick release connector is provided to releasably connect the first and second strap sections. The lifejacket portion is releasably connected to the body harness by removably threading the first strap section through the second looped end of the body strap on the body harness portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal flotation is provided having a body harness portion and an inflatable lifejacket portion. The body harness portion is positionable on a wearer. The lifejacket is positionable about the neck of the wearer, where the lifejacket portion is removably secured to the body harness portion with a quick release connector. The lifejacket can be removed from the wearer by decoupling lifejacket portion from the body harness portion, and removing the lifejacket portion from about the neck of the wearer. The body harness portion will remain positioned on the wearer.