Conical Helix Tether Sheath for Perpendicular Device Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current body mount and retractable lanyard systems for public safety personnel fail to allow hands-free operation of devices in extreme conditions, particularly when attached to a vest, as they are not designed to facilitate perpendicular retrieval from the spool, leading to device damage and operational limitations.

Innovation Solution

A body mount with a retractable tether featuring a conical helix-shaped tether sheath that redirects the tether from a radial to a vertical orientation, reducing friction and rotational torque, enabling smooth extension and retraction perpendicular to the spool's rotation, thus allowing hands-free use of devices like phones, radios, and thermal imaging cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a radial-pull retractable lanyard is used, then the device can be tethered to the user, but the lanyard cannot be pulled perpendicularly from the spool face, limiting hands-free operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free operation capabilityVSAvoiddirection of pull flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a conical helix-shaped tether sheath that redirects the tether from radial pull (parallel to spool axis) to perpendicular pull (tangential to spool rotation). This dimensional redirection allows the lanyard to be pulled in any direction perpendicular to the spool's rotation axis, enabling effective hands-free operation when mounted on vests or shoulder straps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the tether is pulled radially from the spool, then the spool rotates smoothly, but the lanyard cannot be pulled perpendicular to the spool rotation axis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanyard retrieval smoothnessVSAvoidmounting position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conical helix-shaped tether sheath acts as an intermediary component between the spool and the tether. It redirects the tether's path from radial to perpendicular orientation, allowing the spool to rotate smoothly while enabling the lanyard to be pulled perpendicular to the spool's rotation axis. This intermediary structure resolves the conflict between smooth rotation and mounting flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If ordinary devices are used in extreme temperatures exceeding 1,000°F, then the devices can operate in fire suppression operations, but the devices fail due to temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoiddevice reliability in extreme heat

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the tether sheath be made from heat-resistant materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or other high-temperature resistant materials. This parameter change in material selection allows the tether system to withstand extreme temperatures exceeding 1,000°F without failure, enabling use in fire suppression operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10894694B2Body mount and retractor for support of hands free portable power, video enhancement, and data transfer between wireless devices

Publication Date: 2021.01.19 ALL CLEAR FIRE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

This invention is embodied in a body mount and retractable lanyard that enables its user to pull and retract a device perpendicularly from the face of a spool connected to a user. In this way, the body mount enable its user to access hands-free portable power, video and data transfer for public safety personnel and others operating in extreme and challenging environmental conditions.