Rope Harness Loop Layout for Ergonomic Ventral Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rope harness designs compromise ergonomics for multidirectional strength, particularly at the ventral suspension point and shoulder straps, leading to reduced comfort and increased stress on seams during prolonged suspension.
Innovation Solution
A rope harness design featuring separate and movable loops within a ring structure, with one loop for shoulder straps and another for anchor connection, allowing for improved ergonomics and reduced stress on fastenings by distributing force more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If both the shoulder strap connector and the anchor point connector share the same buckle, then multidirectional strength is provided for the umbilical suspension point, but the ergonomics of the suspension point is reduced and the technician's work is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single buckle into two separate buckles: a first buckle for the shoulder strap connector and a second buckle for the anchor point connector. This segmentation allows each connector to have its own dedicated attachment point, improving ergonomics by enabling independent positioning and adjustment, while maintaining multidirectional strength through the distributed buckle configuration
2Ease of manufacture
If the same ring is used to secure both the shoulder straps and suspend the user by the waist belt, then harness fitting is facilitated, but the ergonomics of the suspension point is degraded and the rope access technician's work is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate attachment systems for shoulder straps and waist belt suspension by providing distinct buckles and connector positions. The first buckle secures shoulder straps while the second buckle handles anchor point connection, eliminating the need to share a single ring and allowing optimized ergonomic positioning for each function
3Ease of operation
If the waist belt and leg loops pass through a ring on the ventral side, then the user is provided with greater freedom of movement between the leg loops and the waist belt, but the harness is not suitable for prolonged work while suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the movement function from the suspension function by providing dedicated buckles for each purpose. The first buckle allows shoulder strap adjustment for freedom of movement, while the second buckle provides a secure anchor point connection for reliable prolonged suspension, eliminating the compromise inherent in using a single ring for both functions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A rope harness (1) comprises a waist belt (1), a first leg loop (2'), a second leg loop (2"), and shoulder straps. The waist belt (1) has an inner and an outer face. A first loop (5) is attached to the waist belt (1) and is intended for attaching the shoulder straps (3). A second loop (6) is attached to the waist belt (1) and is separate from the first loop (5); the second loop (6) is intended to form a ventral attachment point (4). A first webbing strap (9) defines a ring (10) that is integral with the waist belt (1) and the leg loops (2); the first webbing strap (9) is attached to the waist belt (1) by stitching. The first loop (5) and the second loop (6) are positioned within the ring (10), with the first loop (5) outside the second loop (6) and the second loop (6) outside the first loop (5).The first loop (5) is positioned opposite the second loop (6) in a parallel direction which crosses the inner and outer faces of the belt (1).