Waist and Leg Tool Retainer for Construction Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tool belts cause discomfort due to protrusion and weight distribution issues, limiting freedom of movement and interfering with safety harnesses, as they need to be frequently removed and re-secured.
Innovation Solution
A tool retaining apparatus with hangers and a leg strap that secures tools to a wearer's waist and leg, allowing for adjustable positioning and distribution of weight, enabling comfortable and efficient tool access while allowing for the wearing of safety harnesses without removing the tool belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tools are secured to a traditional waist tool belt, then tools are held in close reach, but the tool pouch protrudes and digs into the wearer's side or ribs, limiting freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool belt system transitions from a single waist-level support to a two-dimensional distribution across both the waist and leg, with the leg strap carrying a portion of the tool weight and positioning tools at the thigh level, thereby reducing protrusion into the wearer's side or ribs and improving freedom of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The tool belt is segmented into multiple support points: a waist belt component and a leg strap component. This segmentation allows the tool weight to be distributed across two separate locations rather than concentrated at the waist, reducing the protrusion effect and discomfort
2Ease of operation
If tools are secured to a waist tool belt, then tools are readily accessible, but the weight of the tools is borne by the waist, placing stress on the wearer's side and back
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is segmented between the waist belt and the leg strap. The leg strap is designed to carry a portion of the tool weight, thereby distributing the load across two body regions (waist and leg) rather than concentrating it all at the waist, reducing stress on the wearer's side and back
Solution Approach 2:
The weight distribution transitions from a single horizontal plane at the waist to a two-dimensional distribution involving both the waist and the leg, effectively spreading the gravitational load across a larger area of the body
3Reliability
If a traditional tool belt is worn, then tools can be carried, but the tool belt must be removed to properly attach a safety harness, decreasing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The tool belt and safety harness are merged into a single integrated system. The leg strap of the tool belt can be threaded through the safety harness strap, allowing both devices to be worn simultaneously without interference, eliminating the need to remove the tool belt when attaching the safety harness and thereby maintaining wearer efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining apparatus includes a body having retainers for securing a plurality of tools thereto. A first and second hanger each has a first and second end. The hanger first ends each include an attachment member securable to a wearer. The hanger second ends each are secured to the body. The first hanger is spaced from the second hanger along a longitudinal extent of the body. A leg strap is secured to the body, and the leg strap includes a fastening device to allow the leg strap to be opened and closed and secured around the thigh of a wearer.