Ambidextrous Apparatus Holder With Interlocking Ring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatus holders are susceptible to environmental contaminants and lack ambidexterity, with locking mechanisms that are also prone to contamination and non-ambidextrous design.

Innovation Solution

The use of a male interlocking ring with a plurality of male interlocking members and a unitarily formed female interlocking plate with a flexible release lever, along with a flexible tongue and slide catches, allows for adjustable and secure orientation of devices, including ambidextrous use and resistance to unwanted extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used in apparatus holders, then the holder can prevent unwanted extraction of the apparatus, but the locking mechanisms are susceptible to environmental contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unwanted extractionVSAvoidsusceptibility to environmental contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based retention system. The magnetic field exerts a holding force on ferromagnetic materials within the apparatus, preventing unwanted extraction without requiring mechanical contact points that could be contaminated. This substitution eliminates vulnerable mechanical interfaces while maintaining reliable retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable orientation features are added to apparatus holders, then user comfort and versatility are enhanced, but the design becomes non-ambidextrous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable orientationVSAvoidambidexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric adjustment mechanisms that allow the apparatus to be oriented in multiple positions while maintaining symmetric accessibility from both sides. The adjustment feature includes a centrally located control that can be operated equally well by either hand, enabling users to adjust the orientation regardless of which hand they use, thus preserving ambidexterity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional apparatus holder designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the holders are susceptible to environmental contaminants and lack ambidexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresistance to environmental contaminants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a flexible magnetic layer or coating within the holder structure that provides contaminant resistance while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. This flexible magnetic component can be applied as a thin film or integrated into the molding process, offering protection against environmental contaminants without significantly complicating the manufacturing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS11747108B1Adjustable apparatus holder

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE AS REPRESENTED BY THE SEC OF THE ARMY

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses, systems and methods for adjustably holding a device. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a male interlocking ring. The male interlocking ring includes a plurality of male interlocking members. The apparatus also includes a unitarily formed female interlocking plate. The unitarily formed female interlocking plate includes portions adapted to receive each of the plurality of male interlocking members. The unitarily formed female interlocking plate also includes a flexible release lever. The flexible release lever partially extends laterally in one of the portions that are adapted to receive each of the plurality of male interlocking members. Other embodiments relate to an ambidextrous holster sleeve, a holster and holster sleeve.