Shoulder Strap Tool Support for Plumbing Operators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively support the weight of heavy or bulky plumbing tools, leading to operator fatigue, injury, and damage to property during manual labor tasks, as they do not adequately distribute the weight or secure the tools during use.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing safety device comprising a shoulder strap with adjustable connections and a mounting strap, equipped with lashing points and a means for securing tools, such as a hose clamp, to distribute the weight of heavy tools and prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator holds heavy plumbing tools manually, then the tools can be controlled and operated, but the operator's body becomes fatigued and loses hold causing injury risk and property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shoulder strap system as an intermediary between the operator's body and the heavy plumbing tool. The strap distributes the tool's weight across the operator's shoulder and chest, freeing the hands to control the tool while preventing fatigue-induced dropping. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing continuous support without interfering with manual control.
2Productivity
If heavy or bulky tools are carried using traditional methods, then the tools can be transported, but the operator's hands are occupied and risk of dropping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tool-carrying function from the tool-operating function. The shoulder strap system handles the weight-bearing aspect, while the operator's hands remain free for precise tool manipulation. This segmentation allows simultaneous tool transport and hand freedom, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If correlated magnetic belt is used to secure objects, then small objects can be attached and removed, but large or massive tools cannot be held and carried
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of weight support from magnetic force (insufficient for heavy tools) to mechanical tension distribution through the shoulder strap system. This parameter change enables the system to handle large, massive plumbing tools while maintaining adaptability through adjustable strap lengths and securement mechanisms.
4Productivity
If tool carrier is worn over shoulder for transport, then tools can be moved from place to place, but the carrier does not support tool weight during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal shoulder strap system that performs multiple functions: transporting tools from place to place, supporting tool weight during operation, and freeing hands for control. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same system effective for both mobility and operational support.
Data Source
AI summary
A plumbing safety device and method is provided. The plumbing safety device comprises a shoulder strap configured to be worn over one or more shoulders of an operator, a mounting strap removably connected to the shoulder strap, and a means for securing a plumbing tool. The plumbing safety method comprises the steps of: providing a plumbing safety device comprising a shoulder strap configured to be worn over one or more shoulders of an operator and having a first and second strap connecting means, a strap adjustment means, a mounting strap removably connected to the shoulder strap, and a means for securing a plumbing tool; adjusting the strap adjustment means to a desirable strap length; securing the means for securing the plumbing tool to the plumbing tool; and placing the shoulder strap on the one or more shoulders of the operator.