Torso-Wrapping Harness with Single Abdominal Connector for Suspension Trauma Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled descent devices (CDDs) fail to effectively prevent suspension trauma during emergency descents from high structures, as they do not adequately distribute the load and maintain a body position that minimizes pressure on the lower extremities, leading to potential injuries and fatalities.
Innovation Solution
A harness system that wraps the torso from all sides, with a single connector assembly at the abdomen to secure the harness, and a controlled cable release drum device attached to the harness to manage the descent, ensuring a vertical or reclining body position that reduces pressure on the lower extremities and allows for controlled cable release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the harness uses traditional leg strap configurations, then the harness structure is simple, but suspension trauma occurs due to pressure on the lower extremities
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is divided into distinct functional components: torso-wrapping straps (shoulder straps, waist straps, hip straps) that distribute load across the upper body, and a separate suspension strap system that connects to the descent device. This segmentation allows the leg straps to be reconfigured or removed, eliminating pressure on the lower extremities while maintaining structural integrity through the torso-based support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a vertical leg-strap-based support to a horizontal torso-wrapping configuration. The shoulder straps, waist straps, and hip straps work together to distribute the suspension load across the torso in multiple dimensions, replacing the traditional vertical load path through the legs with a distributed horizontal and diagonal load path across the body.
2Reliability
If the harness wraps the torso from all sides with multiple straps, then load distribution improves, but the connector assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single connector assembly located at the user's abdomen. This assembly simultaneously connects the shoulder straps, waist straps, and hip straps to the suspension strap, eliminating the need for separate connectors at each strap end. The merged connector provides a centralized, simplified interface that maintains secure attachment while reducing the number of individual connection points.
3Reliability
If the harness maintains a vertical body position to prevent suspension trauma, then trauma prevention improves, but the user loses freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The harness transitions from a rigid positional constraint to a dynamic adaptation system. The torso-wrapping straps and suspension configuration naturally guide the user into a vertical or slightly reclined position that prevents suspension trauma, while still allowing controlled movement. The system adapts to the user's movements within safe parameters rather than completely restricting motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A harness system for harnessing a user to a suspension device. The harness comprises a strap system having a plurality of straps configured and operable to connect the suspension device to a back region of the harness, each strap having a back end portion at said back region and connectable to the suspension device, and a front end portion located in a front side of the harness. The straps extend from the back region to the front side of the harness and wrap around all sides of a torso of said user. A single connector assembly is used for quick connection of front end portions of at least some of the straps at the front side of the harness in a single interlocking operation, thereby to secure the harness to the user.