Respiratory Harness Rotatable Strap Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory protection device harness assemblies lack versatility in strap configurations, limiting their ability to accommodate different user preferences and physical characteristics, and often result in discomfort due to fixed strap positions.
Innovation Solution
A harness assembly with rotatable strap attachment elements that allow the straps to be positioned between two configurations: one where they pass behind the neck and another where they are raised above the neck and attached to a strap support, enabling a comfortable and secure fit for various head shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed strap configurations are used in respiratory protection devices, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different user preferences and physical characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the attachment elements rotatable rather than fixed. The first and second attachment elements can rotate relative to each other, allowing the straps to transition between different configurations (crossed behind neck, uncrossed behind neck, or attached to headband). This rotational capability provides adaptability to different user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If fixed strap positions are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but user comfort deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different head shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable attachment elements allow the harness to be adjusted for different head shapes and sizes, improving user comfort. The mechanism remains relatively simple to manufacture as it uses basic rotational joints rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotatable attachment elements are added to provide configuration flexibility, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rotatable attachment elements that can transition between fixed positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple separate components or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable attachment elements serve multiple functions: they can be attached to each other to form a loop behind the neck, attached to the headband for support, or positioned in intermediate configurations. This multi-functionality provides adaptability while using a single unified mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness assembly for a respiratory protection device is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the harness assembly includes a strap support having an attachment point, a first strap having a first strap attachment element, and a second strap having a second strap attachment element, wherein the first strap attachment element is attachable to the second strap attachment element and attachable to the attachment point of the strap support, and the first and second straps are positionable between the first configuration in which the first strap attachment element is attached only to the second attachment element and a second configuration in which the first attachment element is attached to the second attachment element and the attachment point of the strap support.