Back-Mounted Tool Holder With Guide Rail Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges in carrying a full-size axe during structure fires due to its length, which restricts movement, and existing methods like waist straps are insecure and inconvenient, often requiring them to leave the axe behind.
Innovation Solution
A tool holder system that attaches a tool to a harness with a guide rail strap and sheath, allowing the axe to be carried on the back, keeping hands free and ensuring secure access, compatible with SCBA equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full-size axe is carried on the waist strap or belt, then the firefighter has access to the tool, but the tool is insecure and may fall out or become problematic in tight situations
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier transitions the tool from horizontal waist-level positioning to vertical back-mounted positioning. The guide rail strap extends from the front of the harness over the shoulder to the rear, creating a vertical dimension that accommodates the full-size axe without interfering with crawling or ground-based operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool carrier system is divided into separate functional components: the guide rail strap for positioning, the guide locking strap for security, and the sheath for tool containment. This segmentation allows each component to address specific requirements - the guide rail provides positioning freedom while the locking mechanism ensures tool security.
2Reliability
If a full-size axe is carried on the waist strap, then the firefighter has the tool available, but it drags on the ground and limits movement when crawling
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is repositioned from the horizontal waist plane to the vertical back dimension. The guide rail strap extends vertically from the front harness over the shoulder to the rear, elevating the tool above ground level and preventing contact with the ground during crawling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail strap acts as an intermediary structure that carries the tool away from the firefighter's body and ground contact path. The sheath with post and guide locking strap serve as intermediate securing mechanisms that hold the tool in place without requiring the firefighter to physically carry it.
3Ease of operation
If a miniature tool or axe is used, then the firefighter can carry it conveniently, but it lacks the capability to bring down doors or make egress through floors, walls and roofs
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier system is designed to accommodate full-size tools that perform multiple functions - forcing entry through doors, windows, floors, and roofs. The carrier itself is universal, working with standard firefighter tools while enabling their full capability without the limitations of miniature versions.
4Ease of operation
If the tool is carried on the back, then hands are kept free for tasks, but the tool must be easily accessible when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carrier incorporates dynamic elements - the sheath can slide along the guide rail strap and be quickly locked or unlocked. This dynamic design allows the tool to be securely carried on the back while enabling rapid access when needed, balancing security with accessibility without requiring complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder system for carrying a tool on a person is provided where the tool holder system includes a harness comprising a plurality of body straps, a guide rail strap provided with a guide and an at least one guide locking strap secured to a front end of the plurality of body straps of the harness, and a sheath for supporting the tool wherein the sheath corresponds to said guide with a post secured to said sheath for maneuvering said sheath linearly in relation to the guide on the guide rail strap.