Expandable Elastic Pouch Belt for Secure Item Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waist pouches are cumbersome and impractical for rigorous activities due to their large size, which causes them to bounce and makes it difficult to access items quickly, and they often require excess material and production time, increasing cost and discomfort for users.

Innovation Solution

A compact, expandable single pouch waist belt designed with a seamless, elastic fabric that integrates with the belt, allowing the pouch to expand up to 300-400% to hold various items securely without increasing the belt's width, providing easy access and maintaining a snug fit during activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large multi-compartment pouch is used, then multiple items can be carried, but the pouch becomes cumbersome and bounces during rigorous activities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity to carry multiple itemsVSAvoidstability during physical activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch is designed with elastic material that dynamically adjusts its shape and volume based on contents and movement. The elastic belt and pouch construction allow the system to move with the wearer's body during activities rather than resisting movement, eliminating bouncing while maintaining secure item storage through elastic recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch is integrated directly into the belt structure rather than being a separate attachment. The belt and pouch form a unified elastic system where the belt's elastic properties directly support the pouch, combining the functions of waist support and item carrying into a single stable unit that moves together during physical activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large fixed-dimensional pouch is used, then multiple items can be stored, but small items bounce around inside and it becomes difficult to access items quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity for various itemsVSAvoidaccessibility to items
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pouch transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic elastic container that reshapes according to contents. When items are placed inside, the elastic material stretches and reconfigures to create a customized fit, preventing small items from bouncing around while maintaining easy access through the flexible wall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If excess material is used for multiple compartments, then multiple items can be carried, but production cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-compartment storage capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost and time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating separate compartments using additional material, the invention uses a single elastic pouch that can accommodate multiple items through its elastic properties. The pouch's ability to stretch and contract allows it to hold various combinations of items without requiring physical dividers or separate storage sections, significantly reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pouch utilizes changes in material parameters (elasticity, stretchability) to provide multi-item storage capability rather than relying on structural complexity. The elastic material's ability to deform and recover allows the same pouch structure to adapt to different item configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed compartments and reducing production requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If a thick belt with bulky buckles is used, then the pouch can remain secure during activities, but sweat increases and comfort decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of pouch during activitiesVSAvoidsweat and discomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces thick rigid belt construction with a thin elastic belt and pouch system. The elastic material provides secure attachment through its ability to stretch and contract around the wearer's body, maintaining reliability during activities while using minimal material that allows air circulation and prevents sweating, significantly improving comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure, comfortable, and practical way to carry items during rigorous activities by maintaining a snug fit and allowing easy access to items without the need for multiple compartments, reducing production costs and enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

designed with a seamless, elastic fabric that integrates with the belt, allowing the pouch to expand up to 300-400% to hold various items securely

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2384662B1Belt with expandable pouch
Publication Date: 2013.12.18 OVERTON ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP2384662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2384662B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2384662B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A compact yet expandable waist belt with a pouch preferably formed from a single piece of seamless elastic fabric, designed in some embodiments with pleats in the back, that remains taut around the wearer's body during even the most rigorous physical activities, whether the pouch is holding one smaller item (such as a key) or multiple larger items (such as a cell phone, mp3 player, and/or money). When empty, the pouch is preferably approximately the same width and thickness as the belt holding the pouch in place, and yet the pouch's internal volume can expand up to 300-400% or more to hold larger items or a large number of small items. The single pouch is sealed with zipper or other fasteners such as Velcro® allowing users to access belongings quickly and easily.