Panel Carrier With Counterbalancing Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing panel carrier tools are not adjustable in length, are bulky, and obstruct the user's view while carrying large and heavy panels, making them uncomfortable and inconvenient to use.

Innovation Solution

A compact panel carrying device featuring a flexible, adjustable strap with a panel receiving mechanism that includes a counterbalancing portion to assist in positioning and balancing the panel, allowing for adjustable height settings and secure attachment to a tool belt or pocket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a worker grasps one end of the panel with one hand and the opposite end with another hand, then the panel can be carried, but the worker cannot comfortably grasp the panels while walking and the panel obstructs the worker's view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomfort of carryingVSAvoidobstruction of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an arm extender as an intermediary device between the worker and the panel. The arm extender includes a handle that the worker holds and an arm that extends to support the panel, acting as a mediator that transfers the supporting function from the worker's hand to the panel edge, thereby solving the comfort and view obstruction problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the arm extender length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted to different height settings based on user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of heightVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a telescopic arm mechanism that allows the arm extender length to be dynamically adjusted. The telescopic structure includes nested tubes or segments that can slide relative to each other, enabling the arm length to be changed according to different worker heights and panel sizes, providing adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the panel carrier is designed to be functional, then it can carry panels securely, but it becomes bulky and cannot be carried conveniently with the worker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of panel carryingVSAvoidsize of panel carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the panel carrier into separate functional components: a flexible strap, a handle, an arm extender with telescopic sections, and a panel support mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be compact when not in use while maintaining the overall functionality for secure panel carrying. The components can be collapsed or folded to minimize volume when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the panel receiving mechanism is simple, then the device is compact, but it cannot securely receive and balance panels of varying sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to receive varying panel sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of panel receiving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a panel receiving mechanism with adjustable parameters including the telescopic arm length and the position of the panel support surface. These parameters can be changed to accommodate panels of different sizes and weights. The mechanism includes adjustment features such as telescopic sections, pivot points, and possibly locking mechanisms that allow the geometry of the panel receiving structure to be modified while maintaining a relatively simple overall design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables comfortable and secure carrying of panels of varying sizes by allowing adjustable height settings and compact design, preventing obstruction and facilitating easy use.

Implementation Method 1

a counterbalancing portion connected to the distal end of the panel receiving platform for assisting in balancing the panel receiving platform during placement and carrying of the panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounterbalancing: Balance

Data Source

PatentUS8251421B1Panel carrier
Publication Date: 2012.08.28 HOMAN KEVIN F
  • US8251421B1 patent drawing
  • US8251421B1 patent drawing
  • US8251421B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A panel carrying device includes a flexible strap having a first end and a second and a panel receiving mechanism attached adjacent the second end of the flexible strap. The panel receiving mechanism includes a panel receiving platform for supporting a panel, the panel receiving platform having a proximal end and a distal end, and a counterbalancing portion connected to the distal end of the panel receiving platform for assisting in balancing the panel receiving platform during placement and carrying of the panel.