Firefighter Utility Device With Adjustable Webbing And Modular Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing webbing and utility cord rescue devices lack versatility, are not easily adjustable, and cannot be quickly attached to drag devices, limiting their effectiveness in firefighting and rescue operations.
Innovation Solution
A utility device comprising a tether section, handle, and fastener, where the tether section is formed of webbing, the handle is integrated or detachable, and the fastener is a carabiner with a spring-loaded gate, allowing for a connected loop or elongated state and easy attachment to additional units, enhancing functionality and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional webbing or utility cord is used for rescue operations, then the device can be carried by firefighters, but the versatility is limited and cannot be quickly attached to drag devices
Solution Approach 1:
The utility device is divided into separate modular components: a webbing section, a handle assembly, and a fastener assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and easily combined in different configurations for various rescue operations, significantly improving versatility while maintaining ease of attachment through standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility device is designed with multiple functional capabilities including use as a drag device, hoisting line, harness component, and general utility cord. The standardized interface allows the same device to be attached to various drag devices and configured for different rescue scenarios, providing universal applicability across firefighting operations.
2Ease of operation
If webbing is fashioned into a continuous loop by tying ends together, then the webbing loop provides handles and distance for mobility, but the length is not easily adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The utility device incorporates a movable fastener assembly that can be positioned at different locations along the webbing section. This dynamic configuration allows the effective length of the device to be adjusted by repositioning the fastener, enabling adaptation to different rescue scenarios while maintaining the handle functionality for mobility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple units of webbing or utility cord are used, then greater length and versatility are achieved, but the devices cannot be easily combined with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The utility device employs standardized connection interfaces on both the webbing section and handle assembly that enable multiple units to be easily combined through simple attachment operations. This merging capability allows firefighters to connect multiple units to achieve greater effective length and enhanced versatility for complex rescue operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility device tailored for firefighting, rescue, and life safety applications. The utility device has a tether section, a handle, and a fastener. The handle is connected to a proximal end of the tether section and the fastener is connected to a distal end of the tether section. Ideally, the tether section is formed of webbing and the handle is defined by a loop formed in the proximal end of the tether section. The fastener preferably comprises a carabiner with a spring-loaded gate and a captive eye frame. The utility device is operative in both a connected loop state, in which the fastener is attached to the handle, and an elongated state, in which the fastener is not attached to the handle. The utility device is a compact, portable, and versatile tool capable of facilitating a wide range of standard firefighting practices.