Rope Harness Woven Layer for Force Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rope harnesses for activities at height face challenges in distributing forces effectively during falls and attaching equipment holders, leading to potential longevity issues and high costs due to imprecise fixing zones and methods.

Innovation Solution

A rope harness design featuring a woven layer with interwoven external and internal plies, linked by binding threads to form cavities for equipment holders, and a method of manufacturing that includes weaving threads to create a ring-shaped belt or thigh loop with adjustable closure systems, enhancing mechanical strength and ease of production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If equipment carriers and adjustment straps are attached to the support layer using traditional sewing methods, then the harness can be assembled, but the attachment points cannot precisely define fastening zones and significant manufacturing costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of fastening zone definitionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The webbing is segmented into functional zones during the weaving process itself, with specific threads designated for equipment carrier attachment and adjustment strap attachment. This segmentation is built into the fabric structure, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing marking or precise sewing operations to define attachment zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment zones are predetermined and prepared during the weaving process rather than during assembly. Threads are positioned and tensioned in advance to create predetermined attachment points, so that when equipment carriers are attached, the precise fastening zones are already established by the webbing structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If multiple layers are sewn together to create cavities for comfort foam, then the harness structure is formed, but the mechanical strength at attachment points is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength at attachment pointsVSAvoidlayer construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structural layers and attachment functionality are merged into a single integrated webbing component. The binding threads that join layers also serve as the attachment points for equipment carriers and adjustment straps, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement patches or additional stitching operations that would compromise strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The webbing functions as a composite structure where different thread types (load-bearing threads, binding threads, attachment threads) are woven together to create a multi-functional material that simultaneously provides structural integrity, cavity formation, and attachment capability without compromising any single function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional harness components are used with separate attachment methods, then various functions are achieved, but the overall device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The webbing is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it provides the structural belt and leg loop framework, creates cavities for comfort foam, and establishes predetermined attachment zones for equipment carriers and adjustment straps. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated weaving pattern where different thread zones serve different purposes within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4458426A1Roping harness and method for manufacturing such a harness
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP4458426A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4458426A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4458426A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A rope harness comprising a waist belt (1), a pair of leg loops (2), and a woven layer (3) formed into a loop to form one of the waist belt (1) and one of the leg loops (2). The woven layer (3) comprises two overlapping woven plies. The woven layer (3) has external longitudinal and transverse threads and internal longitudinal and transverse threads. The woven layer (3) forms a tunnel (13) delimited by a support (15) and a hood (16) secured by two anchors (9). Each tunnel (13) receives a wire element (14) or a connector between the hood (16) and the support (15). One of the plies (10) forms the support (15). The hood (16) has hood threads connecting the two anchors (9). The hood threads are selected from the internal and external longitudinal threads and the internal and external transverse threads.