Pivoting Support Platform for Hands-Free Item Carrying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current item carrying devices do not allow users to safely and efficiently perform occupational or recreational activities while using mobile electronic devices or non-electronic items, as they require manual handling and lack hands-free functionality, especially in situations requiring frequent item usage and storage.
Innovation Solution
A wearable hands-free item carrying device with a flexible stabilizing portion and body harness, featuring a support platform that can pivot between open and closed positions, allowing the item to be securely stored or accessed without using hands, enabling users to perform other activities while keeping the item accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an item is stored in a pocket or bag, then the item is protected and contained, but the user must use hands to retrieve and use the item, reducing accessibility and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a stowed configuration (where the item is securely stored against the user's body) and a deployed configuration (where the item is presented in an accessible position). This dynamic transformation allows the item to transition from a stored state to an accessible state without requiring manual retrieval, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The item is pre-positioned on the support platform during the stowed configuration, so that when the platform is deployed, the item is already in the correct position for immediate use. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual retrieval and setup, directly addressing the contradiction between accessibility and time loss.
2Ease of operation
If a handheld item carrier is used, then the item is easily accessible, but the user's hands are occupied, preventing simultaneous performance of other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The body-worn device performs the function of holding and presenting the item autonomously, without requiring the user's hands to manipulate or hold the item. The support platform mechanically presents the item in an accessible position while the user's hands remain free to perform other tasks, thereby simultaneously achieving ease of operation and adaptability for multiple activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the item-carrying function from the horizontal dimension (handheld) to the vertical dimension (body-worn). By attaching the support platform to the user's body, the item is positioned in a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with hand usage, enabling simultaneous item accessibility and freedom of hands for other activities.
3Reliability
If an item is kept in a fixed storage location, then the item is secure and organized, but frequent retrieval and storage operations are inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform provides a dynamic storage solution that transitions between secured storage (when stowed against the body) and accessible presentation (when deployed). This dynamic capability allows the item to be securely stored when not in use and quickly accessed when needed, supporting frequent usage operations without compromising security or convenience, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support platform serves multiple functions: it securely stores the item when stowed, presents the item for access when deployed, and can be adjusted to different positions. This multi-functionality accommodates both the need for secure storage and frequent retrieval, making the system adaptable to varying usage frequencies and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides hands-free item carrying devices and related methods. The devices include a support platform including an interior surface with an item support portion, a bottom and top ends. The devices further include a flexible stabilizing portion coupled to a bottom portion of the support platform and positioned adjacent to the interior surface. The devices also include a body harness with a pair of shoulder straps, at least one first end portion coupled to the stabilizing portion, and at least one second end portion coupled to at least one of the stabilizing portion and the support platform. When the shoulder straps are worn by a user, the support platform is selectively movable between an open positioned angling away from the user from the bottom end with the top end being distal to the user, and a closed positioned with the top end being proximate to the user.