Lighted Belt Keeper with Integrated Warning Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current belt keepers lack a warning mechanism for hazards during emergency services, as they do not provide any lighting to alert others to the user's presence.
Innovation Solution
A lighted belt keeper with a housing containing a power source compartment, a removable cover, and a light attachment, which can be secured to a strap or base with fasteners, providing a flashing light for visibility in hazardous situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light is added to the belt keeper, then visibility and warning capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source, power source, and housing are combined into a single integrated belt keeper unit. The light is mounted directly on the housing, and the power source is enclosed within the same housing structure, merging multiple components into one cohesive device that provides both belt retention and visibility functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt keeper serves multiple functions: it retains the belt through the fastening mechanism, provides visibility through the light source, and offers warning capability through the flashing light pattern. This multi-functional design addresses the technical contradiction by making the added light feature serve both illumination and warning purposes.
2Reliability
If a power source compartment with cover is included, then reliability of power source protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into distinct compartments: a power source compartment with its own cover, a light mounting area, and a belt fastening section. This segmentation allows the power source to be protected independently while maintaining overall device organization and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power source compartment cover acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the power source. This cover can be removed for battery replacement or cleaning, providing a user-friendly interface that protects the power source without requiring disassembly of the entire device.
3Ease of repair
If the light is made removable and attachable to housing, then ease of maintenance and replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is segmented from the main housing, allowing it to be removed and replaced independently. The light is mounted on the housing but can be detached as a separate unit, enabling easy maintenance and replacement without affecting the power source or fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The light mounting system transitions from a fixed state to a removable state, providing dynamic accessibility. The light can be securely attached during operation and easily removed for maintenance, offering operational flexibility without requiring complex tooling or disassembly procedures.
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
Enhances user visibility in emergency services and hazardous environments, reducing the risk of accidents by providing a visible warning mechanism, applicable in various settings such as traffic, construction, and low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power source enclosed by a power source compartment closure
Implementation Method 2
a light attached to a second end of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lighted belt keeper may include a housing comprising a power source compartment that opens to a first end, wherein a power source may be enclosed by a power source compartment closure. A cover may enclose the power source and power source compartment closure. The cover may removably attach to the first end of the housing. A light may attach to a second end of the housing. The housing and cover may attach to a base which may attach to a first end of a strap by a fastener. A second and a third fastener may be attached to the strap to removably hold the strap in position while the strap may surround an object such as a utility belt, pant belt or the like. In certain embodiments, instead of a strap, the base may have wings that removably attach to each other.