Shoulder Harness Relay Member for Portable Work Machine Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoulder harnesses for portable work machines experience localized tensile force accumulation, leading to operator fatigue due to the movement of the locking device, which is connected to the harness network via multiple suspension belts or straps, causing uneven distribution of load and potential deformation.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder harness design incorporating a relay member interposed between the locking device and the harness network, utilizing an adjustable band-like hanging member and a mechanism for attaching and detaching a downward extension frame to the main frame, allowing for adjustable configuration to suit both heavy and light work machines, thereby reducing localized tensile force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is connected to the harness network via multiple suspension belts or straps, then the work machine can be securely supported, but localized tensile force accumulation occurs causing operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A relay member is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking device and the harness network. The relay member includes a relay suspension belt that connects to the harness network and a hanging member that suspends the locking device, thereby mediating the force transmission and preventing direct localized tensile force concentration on the harness network.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is segmented into multiple independent components: the relay suspension belt connected to the harness network, the hanging member suspending the locking device, and optional front/rear suspension belts. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage specific portions of the load, distributing tensile forces more evenly across the harness network.
2Productivity
If the locking device is allowed to move freely to accommodate work machine displacement, then working capacity is maintained, but uneven load distribution occurs on the harness network
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the locking device to move relative to the harness network through the hanging member and relay member mechanism. This dynamic configuration maintains working capacity by permitting necessary movements while the relay member ensures that load distribution remains relatively uniform even during movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the harness network structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to reduce localized tensile force is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The relay member serves as an additional intermediary component that, while adding some structural elements, provides a straightforward and effective solution to the localized tensile force problem. The relay suspension belt and hanging member form a simple yet effective mechanism that distributes forces without requiring complex harness network modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to reduce the fatigue of an operator by reducing local application, to a harness network, of a tensile force generated by displacement of a locking device, to which a work machine is attached, while allowing the displacement of the locking device. A shoulder harness for a portable work machine includes: a back member 102 including a main frame 140, to which a downward extension frame 142 connected with a waist belt 132 is detachably attached; right and left shoulder belts 104R and 104L that respectively extend from right and left upper end portions of the back member 102; a joint buckle 108 that is to be located on a chest of an operator, distal ends of the right and left shoulder belts 104R and 104L being connected to the joint buckle 108; a hip pad 116 that is provided with a locking device 114, to which a work machine is connected; a relay member 120 that is connected to the locking device 114 by a hanging member 122; a rear suspension belt 126 that is connected to the relay member 120 and the back member 102; and a front suspension belt 124 that is connected to the relay member 120 and the joint buckle 108.