Dynamically Expandable Rigid Waistband for Secure Device Attachment

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional expandable and adjustable waistbands are not suitable for carrying devices like holsters or tools due to their non-rigid nature, which can lead to safety issues such as accidental discharge of firearms and dropping of tools, as they lack the necessary rigidity to securely attach and maintain these items.

Innovation Solution

A dynamically expandable rigid waistband system that combines an expandable and adjustable waistband with a dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring, where the rigid belt portions can overlap or be elastically connected to form a ring that expands or contracts with the waistband, providing a secure attachment point for devices while maintaining comfort and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an expandable and adjustable waistband is used, then comfort and range of motion are improved, but the ability to securely carry devices like holsters and tools deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and range of motionVSAvoidability to securely carry devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband system is divided into two distinct functional segments: an expandable waistband portion made of elastic material that provides comfort and range of motion, and a rigid belt ring that provides secure device carrying capability. Each segment independently performs its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two previously separate waistband types (expandable elastic waistband and rigid belt) into a single integrated system where the rigid belt ring is coupled to the expandable waistband portion, allowing both functions to coexist and work together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a rigid belt is used, then the ability to securely attach devices like holsters is improved, but comfort and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to securely attach devicesVSAvoidcomfort and adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The waistband system is divided into two distinct functional segments: an expandable waistband portion made of elastic material that provides comfort and range of motion, and a rigid belt ring that provides secure device carrying capability. Each segment independently performs its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid belt ring is designed with movable ends that can slide relative to each other, allowing the belt ring to dynamically expand and contract as the wearer moves, thereby maintaining both rigidity for device attachment and adaptability for comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional integrated rigid gun or tool belt is added to expandable waistband, then device carrying capability is improved, but the expandability and adjustability of waistband is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice carrying capabilityVSAvoidexpandability and adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid belt ring is designed with movable ends that can slide relative to each other, allowing the belt ring to dynamically expand and contract as the wearer moves, thereby maintaining both rigidity for device attachment and adaptability for comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

An elastic connector portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid belt portions, allowing the rigid structure to flex and expand while maintaining its rigid form, thus preserving both device carrying capability and waistband expandability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system allows for the secure and safe attachment of devices like holsters and tools, preventing accidental discharge and dropping, while still offering the comfort and range of motion of an expandable waistband.

Implementation Method 1

the one or more rigid belt portions each having rigid belt portion ends that are movably coupled to each other to form a dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11606995B1Dynamically expandable rigid waistband system

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 ASPEN DEFENSE LLC

AI summary

A dynamically expandable rigid waistband system includes one or more rigid belt portions coupled to an expandable and adjustable waistband portion. The ends of one or more rigid belt portions are movably coupled to form a dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring. The dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring can expand or contract as the movably coupled ends of the one or more rigid belt portions move relative to each other by greater or smaller amounts. The dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring is then coupled to the expandable and adjustable waistband portion so that when the expandable and adjustable waistband portion expands or contracts, the dynamically adjustable rigid belt ring similarly expands or contracts to provide the comfort, range of motion, and adaptability of an expandable and adjustable waistband as well as a rigid structure for attaching devices safely and securely to the waistband.