Conically Contoured Duty Gear Belt with Hinged Lumbar Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional duty gear belts for police and military personnel are not ergonomically designed, leading to discomfort and potential injuries due to uneven weight distribution and lack of ballistic protection.

Innovation Solution

A conically contoured, three-piece duty gear belt with hinged side sections, adjustable fasteners, and a lumbar pad, made from stretchable materials and ballistic packages, designed to distribute weight across a wider area of the hips and provide ballistic protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If traditional flat duty gear belts are used, then accessories can be attached to the waist, but weight is concentrated on small areas causing discomfort and back injuries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distributionVSAvoidcomfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The belt is designed with a conical contour that curves to match the natural shape of the hips, transforming the flat surface into a three-dimensional form that distributes weight across a wider area of the hip bones, reducing pressure points and improving comfort during extended wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid leather belts are used, then accessories can be securely attached, but the belt lacks adaptability to different body shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit to body shapeVSAvoidbelt structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The belt is divided into multiple sections including a front section, two side sections, and a rear section that can be independently adjusted. The side sections are hinged at the rear, allowing them to move relative to each other and adapt to different hip widths and body contours, providing versatility without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinged connection at the rear allows the side sections to dynamically adjust to the wearer's body shape and movement. The belt transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that can flex and adapt during various activities, maintaining both security and comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional duty gear belts are used, then accessories are carried on the waist, but there is no ballistic protection for the waistline and lower back

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveballistic protectionVSAvoidbelt weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The belt integrates ballistic protection panels directly into the belt structure, merging the functions of load-bearing support and ballistic defense into a single unified system. This eliminates the need for separate protective equipment and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining both protection and weight distribution benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7900278B2Ergonomic duty gear belt
Publication Date: 2011.03.08 SAFARILAND LLC
  • US7900278B2 patent drawing
  • US7900278B2 patent drawing
  • US7900278B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ergonomic duty gear belt for carrying duty gear components having a first curved conically shaped side section and a second curved conically shaped side section pivotably hinged together and a lumbar pad wrapped around the hinged connection of the belt to provide support for the lumbar area of the wearer.