Adjustable Cummerbund Bridge-Sleeve Structure for Rapid Fit and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cummerbunds in plate carriers and tactical vests often have cumbersome adjustment mechanisms and lack sufficient rigidity, leading to discomfort and instability when accommodating different body sizes and equipment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cummerbund with a bridge and sleeve design featuring a closure mechanism that allows for easy adjustment to fit various torso sizes, incorporating thermoplastic composite material for rigidity and flexibility, and includes a stiffening element to support attached equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used in cummerbunds, then the cummerbund can be adjusted to different sizes, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cummerbund is divided into modular components including a bridge element with multiple openings and sleeve elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the user to adjust the cummerbund by simply moving the sleeve to different openings rather than manipulating a complex continuous adjustment mechanism, significantly simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to different body sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cummerbund employs a dynamic adjustment system where the sleeve can be freely moved along the bridge to different positions, and the closure mechanism can be engaged at any opening. This dynamic design allows for quick and easy adjustment without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cummerbund designs are used, then the cummerbund can accommodate different body sizes, but the structure lacks sufficient rigidity to support equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element is constructed from a thermoplastic composite material that combines rigidity and flexibility. This composite structure provides the necessary strength to support equipment like side plate bags and pouches while maintaining the flexibility needed to accommodate different body sizes. The stiffening element further enhances the rigidity of the bridge, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cummerbund applies different structural qualities to different parts: the bridge element uses rigid thermoplastic composite material to support equipment, while the sleeve elements remain flexible for size adjustment. This local differentiation of material properties allows the cummerbund to simultaneously provide rigidity for equipment support and flexibility for size accommodation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustment mechanisms are used, then the cummerbund can be adjusted to fit, but the mechanism requires time-consuming disassembly or tools
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, requiring no tools or complex disassembly procedures. The user simply needs to move the sleeve to the desired opening and engage the closure mechanism, which is a straightforward self-service operation. This eliminates the time loss associated with tool-based or complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining full fit adjustment capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cummerbund structure is made flexible for size adjustment, then it can accommodate different bodies, but it lacks stability for equipment support
Solution Approach 1:
The cummerbund is segmented into a rigid bridge element and flexible sleeve elements. The bridge provides stable structural support for equipment, while the sleeves maintain flexibility for size adjustment. This segmentation allows the different parts to have different mechanical properties, resolving the contradiction between size accommodation flexibility and equipment support stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge element uses thermoplastic composite material that provides structural stability and rigidity, while the sleeves use flexible material for size adjustment. This use of composite materials with different properties in different parts of the cummerbund allows simultaneous achievement of stability for equipment support and flexibility for size accommodation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable cummerbund includes two side panels, each comprising a bridge and a sleeve. Each bridge includes a plurality of spaced openings separated by posts. Each sleeve defines an internal pocket configured to slidably receive an end of the corresponding bridge. A closure mechanism of each sleeve is configured to releasably engage a selected opening in the corresponding bridge, thereby securing the sleeve in position. The adjustable cummerbund is configured for integration with protective apparel, such as plate carriers and tactical vests, to provide rapid girth adjustment for varying torso sizes.