Adjustable Fit Tactical Cummerbund With Sliding Attachment Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tactical vests often have fixed sizes and limited adjustability, leading to poor fit, discomfort, restricted movement, and compromised functionality, posing risks to wearers in high-risk environments.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable fit tactical vest system with independently adjustable shoulder straps and cummerbund mechanisms, featuring reference markings for symmetrical fit adjustments, expandable joints, and on-the-fly panel attachment swaps, ensuring precise and adaptive fit without multiple failure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed size tactical vests are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but fit precision and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vest is divided into multiple adjustable segments including shoulder straps with multiple attachment positions, a cummerbund with adjustable positioning mechanisms, and panel attachment points that can be reconfigured. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to achieve precise fit while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through releasable attachment mechanisms that allow the wearer to modify the fit during use. The cummerbund includes adjustable positioning points and the shoulder straps feature multiple attachment locations, enabling the vest to adapt to different body types and operational requirements without requiring complete disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If limited adjustability options are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different body types and operational needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are designed to serve multiple functions: the releasable attachment points on shoulder straps and cummerbund can accommodate different body types, the same mechanisms can be adjusted for different operational scenarios, and the panel attachment system can be reconfigured for various load carrying needs. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vest allows modification of key dimensional parameters including shoulder strap length, cummerbund positioning, and panel attachment locations. By providing discrete adjustment points that enable changes in these critical parameters, the vest can adapt to different body types and operational requirements through systematic parameter variation rather than requiring entirely different vest designs.
3Productivity
If coarse and imprecise fit adjustments require multiple attempts, then adjustment mechanism simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vest incorporates reference markings and pre-configured attachment points that guide the wearer through the adjustment process. The cummerbund and shoulder straps are designed with predetermined positioning options that can be quickly identified and selected, eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments and enabling rapid achievement of the correct fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system incorporates visual reference markings and tactile positioning indicators that provide immediate feedback to the wearer during adjustment. This feedback mechanism allows the wearer to quickly identify the correct positioning without requiring multiple attempts, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining high precision.
4Ease of operation
If ill-fitting tactical vests are worn, then device simplicity is maintained, but comfort and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms are strategically positioned at critical locations including the shoulder straps, cummerbund, and panel attachment points, where local fit adjustments have the greatest impact on overall comfort and mobility. By concentrating adjustment capabilities at these key locations rather than requiring comprehensive adjustment throughout the entire vest, the system achieves improved comfort with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for fit adjustment of a tactical vest may include a cummerbund configured to span between a first panel of a tactical vest to a second panel of the tactical vest across sides of a wearer; and a first attachment panel slidably interconnected to a second attachment panel attached to the cummerbund, wherein the first attachment panel is configured to releasably attach to an attachment panel on the first panel of the tactical vest, wherein the second attachment panel is configured to releasably attach to the first attachment panel, and wherein the second attachment panel is configured to provide wearable length adjustments to the cummerbund based on an amount of overlap between the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel.