RFID Tool Lanyard Assembly for Heavy-Load Attachment Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lanyards are unreliable for securing larger or heavier tools due to frequent breakage, and lack features for easy tool attachment and tracking.

Innovation Solution

A heavy-duty lanyard system with a strap, cinch, and carabiner that includes a swivel member for 360-degree rotation, quick connect attachment mechanisms, and RFID tracking for tool management, along with color coding for weight ratings and durable materials like metallic carabiners and elastic components for shock absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional lanyards are used to secure tools, then tools can be attached to the lanyard, but the lanyards frequently break making them unreliable for larger or heavier tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanyard reliabilityVSAvoidlanyard strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lanyard system is divided into multiple components: a separate strap, a carabiner with locking bar, and a cinch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the strap for flexibility, the carabiner for secure attachment, and the cinch for tool retention - thereby improving overall reliability without compromising strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If carabiners with locking bars are used to securely clip tools, then secure attachment is achieved, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carabiner locking bar is designed to automatically engage with the frame aperture and lock into place through its own weight and spring mechanism, without requiring manual intervention or complex locking procedures. The tool cinch also self-adjusts to secure the tool, reducing the need for complex manual attachment mechanisms while maintaining high security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If lanyards are designed for heavy duty use with durable materials, then strength is improved, but the weight of the lanyard increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanyard strengthVSAvoidlanyard weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the lanyard system use materials with appropriately matched properties for their specific functions. The strap uses high-strength synthetic material that is lightweight, the carabiner uses aluminum alloy for strength-to-weight ratio, and the cinch uses elastic material for shock absorption. This localized material selection optimizes strength while minimizing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The lanyard system provides reliable attachment and tracking of tools, allows easy tool changes, and ensures secure handling of heavier tools through durable construction and RFID-based maintenance tracking.

Implementation Method 1

elastic components for shock absorption

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4102102B1Landyard for a tool
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP
  • EP4102102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4102102B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4102102B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A lanyard tracking system, the lanyard tracking system comprising: a tool lanyard assembly (110) comprising: a strap (22) having a first end and a second end, the strap (22) having a weight rating for supporting a tool of up to 50 lbs., an RFID tag coupled to the strap (22), the RFID tag configured to transmit a unique RFID code, a cinch (114) coupled to the first end, and an attachment member (122) coupled to the second end; and a tracking system configured to receive the unique RFID code from the RFID tag and notify a user when the tool lanyard assembly (110) is due to be inspected or replaced based on the unique RFID code.