Single-Webbing Safety Harness Backplate for Fast Rescue Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety harnesses with backplates for divers are cumbersome and time-consuming to arrange, and rescue harnesses with neck loops can negatively affect breathing by causing the head to fall forward, while dual-use harnesses with backplates face similar issues of complexity and fit adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A combined safety harness and backplate design featuring a single webbing system with a buckle closure, breast and waist webbing portions, leg straps, and adjustable rescue loops, allowing for quick donning and easy fit adjustment, with optional padding and attachment points for tools or weights, and a quick release mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a harness with backplate is provided with many points of fastening and adjustment to provide a suitable fit, then the fit quality is improved, but the device complexity and time required for arrangement increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of donningVSAvoidnumber of fastening points
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backplate and harness into a single integrated unit where the webbing is permanently attached to the backplate. This merging eliminates the need for separate attachment operations and reduces the number of independent fastening points, thereby simplifying the donning process while maintaining proper fit through the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated backplate-harness design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes load, and secures the diver in one unified system. The webbing configuration serves both as structural element and fastening mechanism, reducing the need for separate adjustment components.

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

2Reliability

If a rescue harness is provided with a neck loop for rescuing, then the rescuing capability is improved, but the breathing of the rescued person deteriorates due to head falling forward

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverescuing capabilityVSAvoidbreathing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the neck loop component from the harness design entirely, extracting the harmful function while preserving the essential rescuing capability through alternative means. The rescue loops are positioned on the chest and waist areas, eliminating the need for neck contact that causes head displacement and breathing difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces chest and waist loops as intermediary attachment points for rescue operations. These loops serve as mediators between the rescuer and the rescued person, providing secure attachment without direct neck contact. The webbing configuration allows rescue attachment at multiple points away from the neck, distributing forces safely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a safety harness requires proper fit adjustment for different diver sizes, then the comfort and safety are improved, but the time required for arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort and safetyVSAvoidarrangement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the webbing length and positioning to be modified based on the diver's body size. The webbing can be adjusted at multiple points along its length, enabling the same integrated harness to adapt to different users without requiring complete reconfiguration or multiple size-specific units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4281193B1Combined safety harness and backplate
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 POSEIDON DIVING GRP AB
  • EP4281193B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4281193B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A combined safety harness and a backplate (1), comprising a harness (1a) provided as one webbing (2) running through the whole harness (1a) is provided. The webbing (2) being closable in one buckle (9) by passing a loop end portion of the webbing (2) provided with a buckle part (9b), through a rescue loop (13) and connecting with a buckle part (9a) at an-other loop end portion (12) of the webbing (2). The rescue loop (13) being positioned in a front portion of a waist webbing portion (19).