Extendable Hazard Survey Tool Mount for Safe Standoff Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting and measuring hazardous materials, particularly radioactive substances, often require responders to be in close proximity, leading to safety risks and ergonomic challenges, as they are designed for single-purpose use and do not allow for interchangeable tools or distant measurements.
Innovation Solution
A handheld measurement, search, and safety device with an extendable member and interchangeable support brace, featuring picatinny rails for mounting various field survey instruments and tactical accessories, enabling two-handed or one-handed configurations and allowing for safe distance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If responders use handheld radiation detection devices, then they can detect and measure hazardous materials, but they must be in close proximity to the materials which exposes them to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telescopic extension member that extends the device length in one dimension, allowing the detector to reach hazardous materials from a safer distance. This dimensional extension resolves the contradiction by maintaining detection capability while increasing spatial separation from the harmful radiation source.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic extension member acts as an intermediary between the responder and the hazardous material. It transmits the detection function while physically separating the user from the radiation source, reducing exposure risk while preserving measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If responders use single-purpose detection devices, then they can specialize in one function, but they cannot interchange tools for different surveying needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal platform device with standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple different detector types and tactical accessories. This multi-functional design allows responders to interchange tools based on surveying needs while maintaining a consistent base platform, resolving the contradiction between specialization and versatility.
3Device complexity
If responders use fixed-length devices, then they have simple design, but they cannot adjust reach for different working distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a telescopic extension member that can dynamically adjust its length between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic feature allows the device to adapt to different working distances and surveying scenarios while maintaining relatively simple construction through standard telescopic mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If responders use one-handed configuration, then they have mobility and quick deployment, but they lack stability and balance
Solution Approach 1:
The arm brace acts as an intermediary support element between the responder's body and the detection device. It provides additional stability and balance for one-handed operation by distributing the device weight across the arm and hand, enabling mobility while maintaining operational stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld measurement, search and safety device that includes a main frame having a handle, an extendable member that slides outwards from the main frame in measured increments, and an interchangeable support brace comprising either a buttstock or arm brace to allow responders to use the extendable member to survey hazardous materials at a distance, or a one-handed configuration used to survey hazard materials in confined areas. The handheld measurement, search and safety device includes a plurality of picatinny rails disposed on both the main frame and extendable member to removably mount a host of different field survey instruments and/or tactical accessories for detecting, locating, identifying, measuring, or sampling hazardous materials including radioactive materials or toxic chemicals.