Hi there, I saw that for 2007 Schroth has released a new harness with plastic "plates" that hook on top of the hans plastic so as not to allow the belts to move on the hans at all. It seems great but I do endurance racing where a quick pit stop is worth a lot and I've never had my belts come off the Hans so I wonder if I need this - I do need fresh belts. Does anyone have experience with this harness? I'm looking for a comparison vs a unit that does not have the plastic plate ans for a point of view on pit stop time increase as you remove and re-install the thing when you change drivers.
TIA
JM

 

Could you please post a link to this? I don't recall seeing this before?

 

http://english.schroth.com/racing/pr...d=65&id_kat1=1

 

Thank you very much.

 

It's fascinating watching the development of the consumer version of the modern H&D HANS over the recent past.

First, no wings, smooth top surfaces, 3" shoulder belts...
Next, no wings, rubber friction surfaces, 3" shoulder belts...
Next, 2"-3" HANS specific shoulder belts, used on either top surface.
Next, wings added, negating the 'recommendation' for 2"-3" HANS specific belts.
Next, wings, but 3" shoulder belts overlapping the wings are fine.
Now, directionally grooved top surfaces, to be used with the aforementioned Schroth HANS specific SlipStop belts.

I have a few questions:

1. What happens if you use 'standard' belts on a 'ribbed' HANS device? Is there an issue with abrasion between the belts/HANS; leading to the belt's weave loading with "rubber" or wearing down the "grooves" on the HANS, making them less effective when used later on with SlipStop belts?

2. All of the HANS devices and configurations claim to be superior to all other H&N restraints, accepted/preferred/mandated by most top sanctioning bodies. Then why the continuous change in design? If in fact it simply works in all modes previously stated/advertised/tested/claimed, why the continuous redesign?

I am all too aware of continuous improvement, but the flip side of that coin is the continuous chasing of a fundamental flaw/weakness in a design, complicated by the requirement to maintain compatibility with installed/field units.

But as I said at the beginning, it is fascinating (from an engineering and legal personal perspective) to watch this thing evolve.

Disclaimer (as has become the norm in discussing H&N restraints as of late):
I have no personal, professional or financial stake in ANY H&N restraint.
I am merely a recreational DE driver (re: amateur putz) with a background in engineering and law, who has a hobby interest in biomechanics and man-machine interface/design

 

Neat update. I see no need to change what I have as I've had no issues with belt slippage. I'm using 2" shoulder belts and the pre-grooved HANS with wings.

It looks like this update will require adjusting the shoulder belts to each driver to make sure the surfaces and mated appropriately. This will take additional time during a pit stop if your team mate is significantly taller or shorter than you. I see no reason for you to change what you have since it looks like it would require buying a new HANS device.

 

What do you refer to as wings? My Hans is about 2 years old, when I bought it they called it the pro version...

 

Oh, for crying out loud. How are you supposed to keep up with this stuff?

I have trouble with my Schroth belts slipping off of my Hans no matter how tight I get the straps. Should I cross the straps or not now?

 

"Wings" are small protrusions on the edge of the HANS collar, perhaps put in place to help minimize the possibility of belt slippage. IIRC, they were introduced about a year ago...actually reintroduced, since the ORIGINAL HANS had them.

Your Pro version is simply carbon fiber and would not affect 'wings'.

 

It helps to be an insomniac, like me. It also helps to have photographic memory, Asperger's Syndrome and lack a normal life.....I guess like me.

This should help:
http://www.schroth.com/installation-.../en/index.html

 

Have they always called the cheaper model the "extra"? Seems like an interesting name for an entry level model. Sounds better as a mid range unit... a la... club, extra, pro or something like that. If this is a new name then perhaps they are giving it a mid-range name so the door is open to come out with a cheaper model. This makes sense to me because I am sure they are close to saturating the higher end market and are now looking to the more middle class customer for new sales oppotunities.

 

Used to be the Standard model, I think.

 

thanks. i need to see a picture now. got mine in hand so i can compare. anyway, i never had belt slippage issues....

 

Sean;

I have NEVER had the belts slip off my HANS, both my old 3" with my old cage (not designed with a HANS in mind), and my new 3/2 Schroth and new cage (definitely designed with a HANS in mind). You have an architectural flaw in your setup. I'm sure I could straighten that out for you. One more reason to come for a visit.

You might take some pics of your setup with you sitting there all kitted up. I can probably diagnose it right here.

 

You're right, something must not be right. I'll get some pics (the problem is not on my shoulders, it's across my chest). I'll PM you about a visit. Once I get the trailer delivered, I'll be good to go.