Bendable Apron Pocket Device for Debris Catching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional apron and bib designs with pocket-forming devices often lack flexibility, ease of cleaning, and replacement, as they are either permanently affixed or have complex structures that limit user control over pocket shape and are difficult to remove or replace.

Innovation Solution

A pocket-forming device comprising an elongated base with multiple elongated members that can be bent about various axes to form a pocket in an apron, allowing for adjustable pocket shapes and easy removal and replacement by being housed within a pouch on the apron.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex, adjustable wire frame is used to form the apron pocket, then the pocket shape can be adjusted to user preference, but the device complexity increases and ease of cleaning decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepocket shape adjustabilityVSAvoidwire frame complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket-forming device is divided into multiple elongated members (first, second, third, and fourth members) that can be independently bent and positioned. Each member acts as a separate segment that can be adjusted individually to create the desired pocket shape, reducing the complexity of adjusting a single complex wire frame while maintaining shape adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated members are designed to be bendable about specific axes, allowing dynamic adjustment of the pocket shape. The members can be bent to different degrees and angles to accommodate various user preferences, providing adaptability without requiring a complex fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If stiffening elements are permanently affixed to the apron to form a pocket, then the pocket structure is stable, but the ease of replacement decreases and cleaning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepocket structure stabilityVSAvoiddevice replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket device is segmented into multiple independent elongated members that can be separately removed and replaced. If one member becomes damaged or worn, only that specific member needs to be replaced rather than the entire pocket structure, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining structural stability through the remaining members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for individual elongated members to be discarded when damaged and replaced with new ones, while the rest of the pocket structure remains in use. This extends the overall lifespan of the pocket device and simplifies maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If a stiffening element with a permanent, inflexible shape is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to user preference is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidpocket shape flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elongated members are designed with bendability about specific axes, allowing them to be formed into various shapes during manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic property enables both simplified manufacturing (compared to complex adjustable mechanisms) and post-manufacturing adaptability to user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the elongated members is changed from rigid to bendable, allowing them to be shaped during manufacturing and then adjusted by users. This parameter change enables the members to maintain their shape for structural stability while allowing flexibility for user customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If a stiffening frame unit with strips extending from a central hub is used, then the pocket structure is stable, but the device complexity increases and user control over pocket shape is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepocket structure stabilityVSAvoiduser control over pocket shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pocket device is divided into multiple independent elongated members that can be independently adjusted by the user. Each member can be bent and positioned separately, giving the user direct control over the final pocket shape without being constrained by a fixed hub-and-spoke structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated members are designed to be bendable about specific axes, allowing users to dynamically adjust the pocket shape to their preference. This dynamic adjustability provides ease of operation while maintaining structural stability through the interconnected members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8166571B2Apron with a bendable pocket-forming device

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 FLETCHER DARCI

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to an apron or bib, and in particular, to a pocket-forming device that bends to form a pocket in an apron for catching and holding material. The pocket-forming device comprises an elongated base with a plurality of elongated members extending away therefrom. The elongated members have ends connected to the base at different positions along the base's length, and at least one of the elongated members can be configured to be bent to cause the portion of the apron to form a pocket for catching debris.