Two-part Structural Support for Breathing Harness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural support members for breathing apparatus harnesses offer limited protection to components and have time-consuming assembly methods, which are not efficient for securing and safeguarding the equipment.
Innovation Solution
A structural support member comprising first and second parts that define a housing to protectively retain the gas-cylinder reducer valve, with a frame design that includes a lower portion for the cylinder, an upper portion, and side limbs creating a void to accommodate the user's back, allowing for easy assembly and component protection without additional fixing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixing mechanisms (snap-fit, adhesive, screws, nuts and bolts) are used to mount components on the structural support member, then the components can be securely mounted, but the assembly method becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support member is divided into a first part and a second part that can be assembled separately around the reducer valve. This segmentation allows for easier, faster assembly while maintaining secure mounting of components through the defined housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to nest around the reducer valve, with the first and second parts forming an enclosed space that protects the valve. This nested structure eliminates the need for additional fixing components while ensuring secure retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional open mounting methods are used for components on the structural support member, then assembly is simple, but the level of protection offered to the components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The housing formed by the first and second parts creates a nested enclosure around the reducer valve and other components. This provides protective retention while maintaining assembly simplicity through the integrated design that requires no additional fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure acts as a protective shell that encloses the components. The design provides environmental protection while remaining simple to manufacture and assemble as an integrated unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a structural support member 10 for a harness 100 for breathing apparatus, the structural support member being generally elongate and arranged in use to support a cylinder of breathable gas and one or more components operatively associated with the breathing apparatus, wherein the structural support member comprises first and second parts 20, 30 defining therebetween a housing for retaining one or more of the components.