Bi-directional Accessory Attachment Interface with Vertical and Horizontal Tunnels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory attachment systems, such as belt loops, are limited to a single directional orientation, allowing accessories to be attached either horizontally or vertically, but not both.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional accessory attachment interface that includes at least one vertical tunnel and one horizontal tunnel, allowing accessories to be attached to a belt or similar device in either a substantially vertical or horizontal manner, or at a desired angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If belt loops are attached or coupled to an accessory to maintain the accessory in a single orientation (horizontal or vertical), then the accessory can be securely attached to the belt, but the accessory cannot be attached in multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory attachment interface is designed with both vertical and horizontal tunnels, allowing the same interface to serve multiple functions: attaching accessories in vertical orientation using vertical tunnels, attaching accessories in horizontal orientation using horizontal tunnels, and providing angled attachment options. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling the interface to adapt to different attachment needs while maintaining secure attachment in each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment interface is segmented into separate vertical tunnels and horizontal tunnels rather than using a single unified loop structure. This segmentation allows each tunnel type to specialize in its intended orientation while collectively providing multi-orientation capability, resolving the contradiction between secure single-orientation attachment and multi-orientation versatility.
2Device complexity
If belt loops are designed for a specific orientation (horizontal or vertical), then the attachment structure can be simplified, but the accessory cannot be attached in alternative orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment interface incorporates both vertical and horizontal tunnels within a single integrated structure, allowing it to perform multiple attachment functions without requiring separate attachment mechanisms for each orientation. This universal design provides multi-orientation capability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the use of parallel tunnel geometries that can be manufactured using similar processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional accessory attachment interface having an accessory attachment interface, wherein the accessory attachment interface is attached or coupled, at one or more attachment points/areas to an accessory to define a first vertical tunnel aperture proximate a first edge portion of the accessory attachment interface, a second vertical tunnel aperture proximate a second edge portion of the accessory attachment interface, a first horizontal tunnel aperture proximate a first edge portion of the accessory attachment interface, and a second horizontal tunnel aperture proximate the second edge portion of the accessory attachment interface, wherein a vertical tunnel is formed between the first vertical tunnel aperture and the second vertical tunnel aperture, and wherein a horizontal tunnel is formed between the first horizontal tunnel aperture and the second horizontal tunnel aperture.