Wind Sport Harness Spreader Bar with Adjustable Side Members
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind sport harnesses fail to effectively distribute the significant forces generated by wind-powered devices like kites and sails, leading to user fatigue, and often require frequent adjustments to maintain a secure and comfortable fit.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable spreader bar system with releasable latches and brackets that securely attach to the user's body, allowing for adjustable side members to distribute forces across a larger area, providing a stable and comfortable connection that remains constant during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a harness provides a robust connection to the user's body, then the connection stability and force withstanding capability are improved, but the comfort and ease of wearing for extended periods deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid back plate for structural support and force distribution, adjustable side members with brackets for customized fit, and a front member with release latches for secure connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing both robust connection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the harness have different properties: the back plate is rigid for stability, the side members are adjustable for customization, and contact areas include padding for comfort. This local differentiation of material properties and structural characteristics resolves the contradiction between robust connection and comfort.
2Ease of operation
If the harness distributes forces over a large area, then force concentration is reduced and comfort is improved, but the connection stability and security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution system is segmented into the back plate that spreads forces across the user's back, side members that distribute forces along the torso, and the front member that provides a secure focal connection point. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of force distribution and secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness transitions from a two-dimensional belt-like structure to a three-dimensional framework extending around the user's torso. This dimensional expansion allows forces to be distributed across multiple surfaces and planes, maintaining both comfort and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the harness fit is made adjustable, then comfort and adaptability to different users are improved, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are designed with dynamic adjustability through brackets that allow length modification. This dynamic feature enables the harness to adapt to different user sizes and preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the harness uses a secure connection mechanism, then force withstanding capability is improved, but the ease of release and repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release latches are designed to be self-operating mechanisms that the user can easily engage and disengage without requiring tools or assistance. The latches automatically lock when engaged and can be readily released by the user, providing both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader bar for a wind sport harness, with a front member having at least one release latch on one end. A structural side member is releasably securable to the release latch. A bracket for receiving the side member is configured to releasably secure the side member. The length of the side member extending through the bracket is adjustable. Closing the at least one release latch can create a unitary mechanical connection around a user.