Belt Loop Array for Secure Holster Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waist belt-mounted pouches and holsters often shift or tilt when used with belts of smaller widths due to mismatched belt loop sizes, leading to insecure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A belt loop array comprising five straps - a single intermediate strap and pairs of short and long straps affixed to the back of the pouch or holster, allowing secure attachment to belts of three different widths by adjusting the strap configuration to accommodate various belt widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single belt loop is used to attach pouches to belts, then the structure is simple, but the pouch shifts or tilts when used with belts of smaller widths
Solution Approach 1:
The single belt loop is divided into multiple segmentable straps of different lengths. These straps can be independently adjusted or combined to match different belt widths, preventing the pouch from shifting or tilting while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The belt loop array transforms from a fixed single-loop structure to a dynamic multi-strap configuration that can adapt its effective width based on the belt being used. The straps can be selectively engaged or disengaged to optimize the attachment geometry for different belt sizes.
2Reliability
If belt loops are specifically sized to match a particular belt width, then attachment stability is improved, but the device loses versatility across different belt widths
Solution Approach 1:
The belt loop array is designed as a universal attachment system where multiple straps of different lengths can be combined in various configurations. This allows the same array to securely attach pouches to belts of different widths (e.g., 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches) by selecting the appropriate strap combination, thereby achieving both stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective attachment parameter (loop width) by selecting different strap combinations. Instead of creating multiple specialized loops, the invention adjusts the functional parameter of the belt loop width by engaging different strap lengths, allowing optimal attachment across various belt widths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple belt loop straps are used to accommodate different belt widths, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is managed through segmentation into standardized strap units. Instead of a complex adjustable mechanism, the invention uses discrete, pre-sized straps that can be simply engaged or disengaged. This segmented approach provides versatility while keeping the structure relatively simple through modular, easy-to-implement components.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt loop array for mounting a pouch or holster to waist belts of three or more different widths. The belt loop array consists of a plurality (five shown) of belt loop straps: a single intermediate strap, a pair of short straps and a pair of long straps, which are sewn or otherwise affixed to the back of a pouch or holster to form belt loops of three different widths. The loop straps are affixed to the pouch in a side by side arrangement with the intermediate strap interposed between the short loop straps and long loop straps.