Accessory Attachment System Using Loop and Strap Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory attachment systems for garments are often heavy, complex, uncomfortable, and require disassembly of multiple items to reposition or remove a single accessory, which compromises comfort, access, and versatility, especially in active occupations like military and police work.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, simple attachment system using a two-part fastener and flexible loop configuration allows secure mounting and easy addition/removal of accessories to belts or vests without disturbing other attached items, enabling single-accessory repositioning without affecting the entire configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clip-on pouch system is used to attach accessories to belts, then the accessory can be securely mounted, but the system becomes heavy, complicated, and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: a loop element attached to the accessory and a separate fastening mechanism on the belt. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fastening mechanism from the accessory itself and places it on the belt, allowing the accessory to be a simple loop structure. This extraction simplifies the accessory design while the belt-mounted fastener provides the secure attachment function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple items are threaded onto a belt through a single loop system, then the belt can carry multiple accessories, but removing or repositioning one item requires disassembling all other items
Solution Approach 1:
Each accessory is provided with its own separate loop and fastening mechanism, segmenting the attachment system into independent units. This allows each accessory to be attached or removed individually without affecting others, while the belt can still carry multiple segmented accessories simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic fastening mechanisms (such as snap fasteners or buckles) that can be quickly engaged and disengaged, allowing accessories to be easily added or removed from the belt without requiring systematic disassembly of other attached items.
3Device complexity
If a simple loop system is used to attach accessories to belts, then the system is lightweight and simple, but the accessory cannot be securely retained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a simple loop structure with a separate fastening mechanism (such as a snap, buckle, or clamp) to achieve both simplicity and security. The loop provides the basic attachment path while the fastening mechanism provides secure retention, merging the advantages of both simple and complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the loop and the belt, providing secure attachment without requiring the loop itself to be complex. This intermediary component enables reliable retention while maintaining the simplicity of the overall loop-based structure.
4Reliability
If heavy and complicated fastening systems are used to secure accessories, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the system becomes uncomfortable and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into lightweight components distributed between the accessory and the belt, avoiding the need for a single heavy fastening mechanism. This segmentation reduces the weight burden on any single point and overall system weight while maintaining secure attachment through the combined action of multiple light components.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory system has one or more accessory elements which are removably attachable to a waist belt. A loop is fastened to the rear wall of each accessory element to define a passage between the rear wall and the loop which extends generally perpendicularly to the direction of the belt. A first part of a two-part fastener such as a snap is attached to an exterior surface of the loop. A strap is fastened to the accessory element rear wall spaced from the loop. A second part of the two-part fastener is configured to mate with the first part of the two-part fastener. The second part is fixed to the strap, so the strap is capable of passing through the loop, and around the loop to bring the first part and the second part of the fastener into engagement to retain the belt between the strap and the accessory rear wall.