Hands-free Utility Belt with Rotating Bumper Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility belts and leashes are bulky, limit user range of motion, and lack functionality and efficiency, leading to frustration, safety concerns, and potential accidents when used for activities like walking dogs or engaging in extreme sports.
Innovation Solution
A hands-free utility belt system featuring a flexible belt with overlapping sections locked by a removable bumper locking mechanism, a bumper for shock absorption, and a lead carrier with micro-rollers for smooth movement, allowing for 360-degree rotation and increased user mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional utility belt with fabric leashes and clip systems is used, then the user can be tethered to objects or animals, but the user's range of motion is severely limited and the belt is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The belt system is divided into modular components: a flexible belt with multiple attachment points, removable bumper locking mechanisms, and interchangeable lead carriers. This segmentation allows the belt to maintain a compact form while providing extensive functionality through component combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper locking mechanism incorporates a rotating bumper that can pivot 360 degrees around the belt, dynamically adapting to the user's movements. This dynamic design eliminates the bulkiness of fixed rigid structures while maintaining secure tethering throughout the full range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed leash attachment system is used, then the leash is securely attached, but the user cannot rotate 360 degrees and range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper locking mechanism features a rotating bumper that pivots freely on its axis while maintaining locked engagement with the belt. This dynamic structure allows 360-degree rotation and unrestricted movement while the locking mechanism ensures the attachment remains secure throughout the entire range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bumper acts as an intermediary between the fixed belt and the moving leash, allowing relative motion between them while maintaining secure connection. This mediator component enables the user to rotate freely while the leash remains reliably attached.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple leashes are attached to the belt simultaneously, then the user can control multiple animals or objects, but the leashes become tangled
Solution Approach 1:
Each leash attaches to a separate, independently rotating bumper or lead carrier position on the belt. This segmentation allows multiple leashes to operate in independent planes, preventing tangling while maintaining the ability to control multiple animals or objects simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt system provides universal attachment capability with multiple standardized bumper locking positions, allowing any leash to be attached to any position. This multi-functional design enables versatile multi-leash operation while each component maintains simple, tangle-free operation through independent rotation.
4Reliability
If a non-rotating leash attachment is used, then the structure is simple, but sudden movements can pull the user off-balance and cause trips or falls
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating bumper locking mechanism allows the attachment point to dynamically follow the user's center of gravity during sudden movements. When the user moves quickly or changes direction, the bumper rotates to maintain optimal alignment, preventing the leash from pulling the user off-balance while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating bumper design anticipates sudden movements by allowing free rotation in advance. This preparatory rotational freedom cushions the impact of sudden pulls or direction changes, preventing trips and falls before they occur while maintaining a relatively simple attachment mechanism.
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 system provides a 360-degree range of motion, enhancing user satisfaction and safety by allowing hands-free operation while tethered to another object, person, or animal, with applications in various fields including pet leashes, extreme sports, and virtual reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
a bumper for shock absorption
Implementation Method 2
a lead carrier with micro-rollers for smooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
A hands-free utility belt system is disclosed. The utility belt system includes a flexible belt, a removable bumper locking mechanism, a bumper, and a lead carrier. The flexible belt includes a plurality of apertures and has a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is configured to overlap the second section. The removable bumper locking mechanism is configured to lock together the first section and the second section of the belt. The removable bumper locking mechanism includes a lock and a mounting plate. The lock is configured to couple the removable locking system to the flexible belt through one of the plurality of apertures. The bumper is coupled to the mounting plate. The lead carrier is coupled to the belt and includes a body having an opening on one side and at least one micro-roller, and a lead connector coupled to the body by a post.