Affixable Removable Clip for Tool Belt Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing tools to prevent accidental dropping, such as lanyards and holsters, occupy valuable space on tool belts, limiting the capacity for carrying additional tools, and do not provide a convenient and space-efficient anchoring point for tool lanyards.
Innovation Solution
An affixable and removable clip is designed to securely attach a tool lanyard between a hand tool and a tool holster, featuring a base portion, anchor portion, and connector portion with a fastener, allowing for flexible attachment to tool holsters without occupying limited tool belt space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tools are secured to tool belts using lanyards and holsters, then tool security is improved, but tool belt space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional attachment (tools lying flat on tool belt) to three-dimensional suspension (tools hanging vertically from lanyard). The lanyard extends the attachment point from the tool belt surface into the vertical space above the worker, allowing tools to be secured without occupying horizontal tool belt real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool anchoring function from the tool belt itself by introducing a separate lanyard system. Instead of relying on the tool belt to provide both tool storage and security anchoring, the lanyard independently provides the security function, freeing up tool belt space for additional tools.
2Reliability
If additional anchoring points are added to tool belts for lanyards, then tool security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tool holster serve multiple functions: it provides tool storage and simultaneously serves as the anchoring point for the lanyard. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated anchoring hardware on the tool belt, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining tool security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the tool holster and lanyard anchoring point into a single integrated system. The holster is designed with an integrated D-ring or attachment mechanism that serves both to hold the tool and to secure the lanyard, merging two functions into one component.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip comprising a base portion with a base terminal end opposite a base connected end, a connector portion attached to the base portion at the base connected end, an anchor portion with an anchor terminal end opposite an anchor connected end wherein the anchor connected end is connected to the connector portion, and a fastener attached to the anchor portion and non-destructively removably attached to the base portion proximate the base terminal end.