Configurable Garment Pocket With Deployable Extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges with existing firefighting apparel pockets that fail to securely hold various sizes and shapes of electronic equipment, leading to equipment displacement, accessibility issues, and potential damage due to improper fit or movement during vigorous activities.
Innovation Solution
A configurable pocket system on garments featuring a fixed pocket with a deployable extender and adjustable height, secured by releasable connections, allowing for flexible access and secure storage of different-sized equipment, including a flap for additional retention and a gap for direct access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size pocket is used in firefighting apparel, then the garment structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but the pocket cannot securely hold electronic equipment of various sizes and shapes, leading to equipment displacement and accessibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket system transitions from a static fixed-size pocket to a dynamic configurable pocket that can change its dimensions. The extender panel can be deployed to increase pocket height or width, and the releasable connections allow the pocket to be reconfigured based on the size and shape of the equipment being stored, enabling the same pocket to adapt to different equipment while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is divided into modular components: a fixed base pocket and a separate extender panel that can be selectively deployed. The extender panel is further segmented with releasable connections at multiple locations, allowing it to be attached at different positions to create pockets of various sizes. This segmentation enables versatility without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire pocket structure
2Reliability
If a larger pocket is used to accommodate smaller equipment, then all equipment sizes can potentially fit, but the smaller equipment shifts around and moves during vigorous activities, potentially causing dials or buttons to be undesirably changed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire pocket larger, the extender panel is deployed only to the extent needed to create a snug fit for the specific equipment. The releasable connections allow the extender to be positioned at different locations, creating localized adjustments that provide secure containment for equipment of various sizes without excessive space that would allow shifting
3Ease of operation
If a smaller equipment is placed in a larger pocket, then the equipment fits, but fishing the item out becomes more difficult when the smaller item is deep in the pocket and hard to reach, particularly for personnel wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket depth is dynamically adjustable through the deployable extender panel. When smaller equipment needs to be accessed frequently, the extender can be positioned to create a shallower pocket configuration, making it easier to reach items. The releasable connections enable quick reconfiguration of pocket depth based on the specific equipment and operational needs
4Adaptability or versatility
If new equipment with different sizes and shapes is introduced, then technological capabilities are improved, but existing garment pockets are not designed to carry the new equipment properly, requiring frequent garment updates
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket system with extender panels and releasable connections is designed to be universally applicable to equipment of various sizes and shapes. The same basic pocket structure can be reconfigured multiple times to accommodate different radio models, cell phones, or other electronic equipment, eliminating the need to manufacture new garments for each equipment update
Data Source
AI summary
A garment having an outer shell with a pocket having a height below a top opening to the pocket and a width between pocket sides. An extender has opposite sides secured to the shell whereby the extender is adjacent the pocket opening, and the extender opposite sides are substantially aligned with the pocket sides. A first releasable connection is above the pocket opening between the extender and the shell. When connected, the extender is adjacent the shell at the first releasable connection holds. When released, the extender and shell define an opening substantially aligned with the pocket top opening.