Self-Locking Dorsal Brace for Safety Harness Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fall-protection safety harnesses often distribute load unevenly, leading to discomfort during extended wear, and require complex or factory-installed dorsal braces for effective load transfer.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking dorsal brace with a fastener that attaches to the dorsal plate and waist strap, allowing manual installation, providing a rigid force-transfer member to distribute load from the shoulders to the waist, enhancing comfort and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dorsal brace is installed to transfer load from shoulders to waist, then load distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal brace is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently installed on the harness system. This segmentation allows the load transfer function to be added without redesigning the entire harness, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective load distribution from shoulders to waist.
Solution Approach 2:
The dorsal brace incorporates a self-locking fastener that automatically secures the brace to the harness when installed, eliminating the need for complex tools or multiple adjustment steps. This self-service mechanism simplifies the installation process and reduces operational complexity while ensuring reliable load transfer.
2Strength
If a factory-installed dorsal brace is used, then load transfer effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dorsal brace is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing users to install, remove, and reposition the brace as needed. This contrasts with fixed factory-installed solutions and provides operational flexibility while maintaining effective load transfer through the self-locking fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-locking fastener enables users to easily install and secure the dorsal brace without requiring factory installation or specialized tools. The automatic locking mechanism ensures proper securing while simplifying the installation process, directly improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a complex fastening system is used for the dorsal brace, then reliability of attachment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking fastener automatically secures the dorsal brace to the harness upon installation, eliminating the need for manual locking procedures or multiple adjustment steps. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable attachment while significantly simplifying the installation process for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a self-locking design that uses the inherent properties of the fastener and harness materials to secure the attachment. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts and simplifies the operation while maintaining or improving attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fall-protection safety harness including left and right shoulder straps and a waist strap, and a dorsal plate mounted on the left and right shoulder straps at a dorsal crossing point. A dorsal brace for use with such a harness, the brace comprising a self-locking fastener at the upper end of the dorsal brace. The fastener is fastenable, and self-locking, to the dorsal plate, and a lower end of the dorsal brace is connectable to the waist strap. Methods of equipping a safety harness with the dorsal brace.