Utility Bag Handling Heavy Equipment in Confined Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maneuvering bulky and heavy utility equipment, such as water heaters and air conditioning units, in and out of confined spaces like attics is difficult due to narrow access and structural obstacles, and there is a risk of damage or soiling when moving these equipment through the house.

Innovation Solution

A containment system comprising a robust, customizable bag with multiple handles and a secure closure mechanism, made from durable materials like vinyl-coated polyester, designed to accommodate various shapes and sizes of equipment, facilitating safe and damage-free transport through the use of cinch straps and versatile handle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heavy equipment is maneuvered directly through narrow attic access and house interiors, then equipment can be transported, but damage to equipment and structures occurs and soiling of the house results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidsoiling and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A utility bag serves as an intermediary carrier between the equipment and the house interior. The bag contains the equipment during transport, preventing direct contact between the equipment and house surfaces, thus eliminating soiling and damage risks while enabling safe maneuvering through confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The utility bag functions as a flexible protective shell that envelops the equipment. This flexible containment structure allows the equipment to be maneuvered through narrow attic access and tight house interiors without rigid structural interference, while protecting the equipment from damage and preventing contamination of the house

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If multiple handles are added to the bag for better maneuverability, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidhandle configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle system is segmented into multiple independent handles positioned at different locations on the bag. This segmentation allows different users to grip different handles based on their position and strength, enabling flexible team maneuvering through confined spaces without requiring a complex integrated lifting mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple handles serve universal purposes: they can be used by single users or multiple users, for lifting or for guiding, and can be gripped by hands or connected to pulling devices. This multi-functionality provides versatile maneuvering capabilities without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10427874B1Utility bag for handling and maneuvering bulky equipment in a confined space

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 HURD DANIEL

AI summary

A containment system for enclosing and moving heavy equipment, such as air conditioning or water heater components is disclosed. The containment system includes a bag component and a plurality of handles and/or straps. The handles and/or straps are arranged so that workers can easily maneuver heavy equipment into and out of confined spaces, such as an attic. The containment system also prevents damage to structures, such as the interior of a house while moving such heavy equipment.