Respiratory Component Waist Belt Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory component attachment systems for waist belts are not secure enough to prevent detachment during use in hazardous environments and are difficult to decontaminate, leading to costly equipment disposal.
Innovation Solution
A waist belt with a composite structure featuring a rigid attachment element and a rigid retention element that securely fastens respiratory components, preventing flexure and facilitating easy attachment and detachment, while minimizing hidden surfaces for efficient decontamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional belt threading system is used to attach respiratory components, then the attachment mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection is not secure enough to prevent detachment during use in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into two distinct functional elements: a rigid attachment element with slot and tab features for secure connection, and a rigid retention element with protrusion and recess features for preventing detachment. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid retention element is positioned within or adjacent to the rigid attachment element, with the retention protrusion fitting into the attachment slot and the retention recess receiving the attachment tab. This nested arrangement allows the retention feature to be integrated within the attachment mechanism without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the mechanism is difficult to decontaminate, leading to costly equipment disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid attachment element and rigid retention element are designed as separate, removable components from the flexible belt body. This extraction allows the rigid elements to be easily removed and decontaminated separately from the flexible belt, or replaced if contaminated beyond cleaning, thereby reducing overall equipment disposal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the belt system have different structural properties optimized for their specific functions: the rigid attachment and retention elements provide structural integrity and secure connection, while the flexible belt provides comfort and adjustability. This local differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific decontamination requirements.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment system is implemented, then the respiratory component remains securely connected, but the attachment and detachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including the flexible belt that can be easily manipulated for attachment and detachment, and the rigid elements that provide secure connection when engaged. The system transitions between a flexible state during attachment/detachment and a rigid locked state during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism that requires multiple steps to secure and release, the design uses a simplified system where the rigid retention element automatically engages with the attachment element when the belt is fastened, providing secure connection without complex operation. The security is achieved through the geometric arrangement of slot/tab and protrusion/recess features that naturally lock together.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable belt for supporting a respiratory component is disclosed. The belt includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an interface portion that includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a rigid attachment element in contact with the inner layer and the outer layer. The rigid attachment element is configured to mate with a corresponding feature of a respiratory component.