Ankle Holster Exoskeleton Torque Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ankle holsters fail to effectively offload the weight and torque of carried weapons, leading to discomfort, restricted movement, and potential blood circulation issues, especially during strenuous activities like running.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an anterior exoskeleton bracket and foot orthosis that attaches to the shoe or boot, providing adjustable ankle support and distributing the weight of the weapon, thereby reducing torque forces and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tight ankle cuff is used to reduce rotational forces on the weapon, then weapon stability is improved, but blood circulation is adversely affected and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid support structure (exoskeleton bracket) as an intermediary between the weapon and the ankle, transferring torque forces away from the soft tissue cuff. This mediator allows the cuff to remain loose and non-restrictive while still providing weapon stabilization through the rigid bracket system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the primary torque resistance function from the circumferential direction (tight cuff) to a structural dimension (rigid bracket extending along the leg). By adding this dimensional element, the system achieves stability without requiring circumferential compression that would restrict blood flow.
2Ease of manufacture
If the weapon is carried closer to the ankle for concealment, then concealability is improved, but torque forces and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid bracket serves as a mediator that decouples the weapon position from the ankle joint. The weapon can be positioned close to the ankle for concealment while the bracket transfers rotational forces to higher attachment points on the leg, eliminating the direct torque relationship.
3Device complexity
If a simple L-bracket is used to attach the exoskeleton to the shoe, then device complexity is reduced, but ankle support and weight offloading capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-hinge system that dynamically adapts to ankle motion. The hinges allow the bracket to flex with natural ankle movement while maintaining structural integrity for weight support, providing both simplicity and effectiveness through controlled flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention contemplates a variety of apparatuses for carrying and concealing a weapon holster on a lower leg. A device is provided that offloads weight associated with a leg-carried weapon and eliminates torque forces caused by walking with said weapon. Supplies or alternative weapons can also be carried. The device includes an anterior exoskeleton bracket and, in some embodiments, a foot orthosis. The holster is mounted near the top of the device. The exoskeleton, attaching to the foot orthosis or a shoe/boot, provides ankle support and offloads the weight of the weapon. The exoskeleton has a two-hinge system for flexibility and adjustability. Additionally, the exoskeleton attaches to the shoe/boot by one of several embodiments, including a simple L-bracket, a U-bracket wrapping around the heel, and a clip-on bracket wrapping under the sole. The orthosis is customized to a carrier's foot, providing comfort and offsetting the weight of the weapon.