SCBA Back Plate Strap Locking for Multi-Cylinder Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) harnesses suffer from tampering and loosening issues, requiring manual adjustment for each new cylinder installation, even if the replacement cylinder has the same dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A back plate with a strap that can be connected at multiple attachment positions on the user-facing side, allowing retention of cylinders of different dimensions, featuring a locking mechanism and adjustable length to secure the strap, preventing accidental release or snagging, and a cradle for supporting multiple cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single fixed attachment position is used for the strap, then the structure is simple, but it cannot retain cylinders of different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to retain cylinders of different dimensionsVSAvoidnumber of attachment positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back plate is segmented into multiple attachment positions along the strap, allowing the strap to be connected at different locations to accommodate cylinders of varying dimensions. This segmentation enables adaptability without requiring a completely different strap design for each cylinder size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap system is made dynamic through the ability to connect at multiple attachment positions, allowing the effective length of the strap to be adjusted based on the cylinder dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment is required for each new cylinder installation, then the strap can be adapted to different cylinders, but it requires time and manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate different cylindersVSAvoidtime for manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple attachment positions are pre-configured on the back plate during manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment when installing different cylinders. The user simply needs to connect the strap to the appropriate pre-positioned attachment point, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the strap end is left loose, then it is easy to attach and detach, but it allows tampering and accidental releasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoidsecurity against tampering and accidental release

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to automatically secure the strap end in the selected attachment position without requiring additional user intervention. Once the strap is connected, the locking mechanism self-activates to prevent tampering or accidental release, maintaining both ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the strap length is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate cylinders of different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of cylinders with varying dimensionsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing multiple fixed-length straps, the invention segments the attachment positions along a single strap length. This allows one strap design to accommodate multiple cylinder sizes by connecting at different positions, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strap is designed as a universal component that can function with cylinders of different dimensions through the multiple attachment positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture and store multiple specialized straps, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3787757B1Back plate for a breathing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.04 DRAEGER SAFETY UK LTD

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AI summary

There is disclosed a back plate for a breathing apparatus, the back plate having a cylinder-support side configured to support a breathing gas cylinder, and a user-facing side configured to face the user's body in use. The back plate comprises a strap for retaining a breathing gas cylinder against the cylinder-support side. A first end of the strap is configured for connection to the back plate in a plurality of attachment positions so as to retain cylinders of different dimensions, wherein the plurality of attachment positions are arranged on the user-facing side of the back plate. Also disclosed is a cradle for use with such a back plate, and a breathing apparatus comprising such a back plate.