SCBA Harness Backplate Connector With Spring Quick Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) backplate systems require excessive time and effort to disconnect and reconnect straps, which can lead to damage and increased maintenance costs, and hoses may be prone to hooking and damage during use.
Innovation Solution
A connector system with a main body that fits through slots on the backplate, featuring a spring mechanism to secure the connector in place, allowing for quick and secure attachment and detachment of straps and hoses, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional strap connection systems are used, then the backplate system can be assembled, but excessive time and effort are required to disconnect and reconnect straps
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a connector with a main body that fits through the slot, a piston for actuation, and a spring for retention. This segmentation allows the strap to be quickly connected by simply passing it through the slot while enabling easy disconnection by actuating the piston to release the spring's retaining force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to automatically retain the connector in the connected position once the strap is inserted through the slot. This preliminary action of automatic retention eliminates the need for manual securing operations and allows for rapid reconnection without requiring precise alignment or multiple steps.
2Ease of operation
If traditional strap connection systems are used, then the backplate system can be assembled, but excessive effort is required leading to damage and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically performs the retention function without requiring user force or complex manipulation. The connector self-secures when the strap is inserted through the slot, and the piston can be easily actuated to release it, eliminating the need for excessive effort that would cause damage or wear to traditional buckles and straps.
3Loss of time
If quick connection mechanisms are implemented, then connection time is reduced, but the complexity of the connector system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is inserted into a cavity within the connector's main body, and the spring is nested between the piston and the base of the connector. This nested arrangement compactly houses the quick-release mechanism within the connector itself, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining the quick-connection capability.
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
The connector system enables efficient and reliable quick connection and disconnection of straps, reducing maintenance time and preventing hose damage, thereby enhancing user convenience and equipment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located between a portion of the piston and a portion of the base, wherein the spring biases the piston downward, thereby biasing the main body toward the base
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Embodiments relate generally to connectors for use with harness (308) and backplate systems (300) in an SCBA. An SCBA may comprise a backplate (306) for holding a cylinder of air and a harness with straps (310, 312) operable to attach to the backplate. Applicants have developed a bcckplate connector (340) that provides a reliable quick connection and disconnection for straps attached to a backplate. The connector may fit into a slot (320) on the backplate. In some embodiments, a plurality of connectors may be used to connect a plurality of straps to the backplate. Additionally, the connector may comprise a clip (603) or other attachment operable to secure one or more hoses (330) of the SCBA. This design may prevent the air hoses being hooked accidentally, and the attachment of the hoses may help to secure the connector into the slot of the backplate, reducing the change of the connector disconnecting during normal usage.