Utility Flap for Worker Pockets with One-Handed Anchor Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers operating at heights face difficulties in securely carrying and managing fall prevention and protection equipment, which often requires two hands to stow, violating the Three-Point-Rule and posing a risk of catastrophic falls, especially in hazardous environments where tools and anchors can become obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A flap or pouch system on worker garments with a releasable hook and loop connection allows for one-handed securement and retrieval of anchoring devices and tools, utilizing a stiffened edge for tactile guidance and a cover flap for easy access, enabling safe handling without violating the Three-Point-Rule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional stowage methods (snaps, hook & loop) are used to secure anchor devices, then the anchor can be securely retained during vigorous activities, but the worker must use two hands to deploy and stow the anchor, violating the Three-Point-Rule
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device incorporates a self-retaining mechanism with spring-loaded arms and cam surfaces that automatically engage and lock the anchor in the pouch during vigorous activities, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
A pouch with internal retention structures serves as an intermediary between the worker's hand and the anchor device, allowing the worker to interact with the pouch exterior while the internal mechanism handles the complex retention functions, enabling one-handed operation
2Length of moving object
If the anchor device is made long enough to allow worker movement and execution of job skills, then the worker has sufficient reach and mobility, but the anchor and tools become obstacles to the worker safely repositioning or descending/ascending
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor device nests within a pouch that is attached to the worker's garment, with the tether coiled or folded within the pouch when not in use. This nesting arrangement keeps the long tether organized and prevents it from becoming an obstacle during movement, while still providing full length when needed for anchoring
3Quantity of substance
If all potentially needed equipment is carried by the worker, then the worker has complete supplies for the job, but the worker is unable to securely carry all equipment and movement becomes unwieldy and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The worker's equipment is segmented into multiple pouches attached at different locations on the garment, with each pouch dedicated to specific types of equipment. This segmentation allows efficient distribution of weight and enables the worker to access only the equipment needed at each location, maintaining mobility while carrying comprehensive supplies
Data Source
AI summary
A pocket such as for a garment for a worker, including a panel securable to an outer surface of the garment to define a pocket between the panel and the garment outer surface with a pocket opening defined along one side of the panel. First and second connectors on the panel and garment outer surface within the pocket may be connected together to retain an object in the pocket by pressing the panel against the garment, where the connection may be released both by pushing an object into the pocket, and by pulling a retained object from the pocket. A stiffened side of the second panel retains the second panel in a bowed configuration outwardly from the first panel at the pouch opening.