Strap Adjustment Ring and Rod Layout for Stable Load Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing harnesses with adjustable straps for working at height and mountaineering face issues with maintaining the desired strap length under tension, leading to frequent adjustments due to misalignment and slippage, especially when used with gloves and under load-bearing conditions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustment system featuring a ring with a movable rod dividing the through hole and a tab positioned away from the rod to define a passage space for the strap, preventing misalignment by minimizing loop formation and allowing easy sliding without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking cover is used to maintain strap length, then the strap position is maintained under tension, but the device becomes cumbersome and impractical for tree trimming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap position maintenanceVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the locking cover mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simpler rod system that maintains strap position through the rod's interaction with the strap and ring, eliminating the cumbersome cover while preserving position maintenance functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the strap path into distinct segments (through the ring, around the rod, back through the ring) creating separate functional zones that work together to maintain position without requiring a unified locking cover

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If prongs are formed on the inner face of the ring to engage with the strap, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the prongs impede strap sliding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidstrap sliding
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rod serves as an intermediary element between the ring and the strap, providing the necessary engagement for load-bearing while allowing the strap to slide smoothly around the rod's surface without direct contact with the ring's inner face

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the rod moves towards one end of the ring to lock the strap, then the strap setting remains constant under tension, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap setting stabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed to move automatically towards one end of the ring when the strap is tensioned, self-locking the strap in place without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4124253B1Adjustment system with improved operation, method for manufacturing such an adjustment system and adjustment method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 ZEDEL CORP
  • EP4124253B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4124253B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4124253B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An adjustment system (1) is configured to adjust the length of a first strap (2). The adjustment system (1) includes a ring (3) defining a first through hole in a first direction (A). A rod (4) is mounted to move relative to the ring (3). The rod (4) partially obstructs the ring (3) in the first direction (A) so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole (3a) and a third through hole (3b), separated from the second through hole (3a) by the rod (4). The adjustment system (1) includes a tab (5) at least partially obstructing the first through hole in the first direction (A). The tab (5) is positioned at a distance from the rod (4) to define a passage for the first strap (2) between the rod (4) and the tab (5).