Flexible Tab Attachment for Tactical Gear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Molle systems for securing tactical gear are cumbersome, difficult to quickly attach and detach, and prone to detachment under shock or impact, making them unsuitable for field use.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring integrally formed or laser-cut flexible tabs that engage PALS ladders, providing a locking mechanism for secure and easy attachment and detachment of articles to tactical vests, using materials like carbon fiber or Tegris®, allowing for quick and secure attachment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners (hook and loop, buttons, clips) are used to secure pouches to the vest, then the attachment system can be manufactured with simple components, but the attachment and detachment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into discrete tab elements with locking hooks that can independently engage with the PALS ladder rungs. Each tab acts as an independent fastening unit, allowing for rapid sequential attachment and detachment without requiring complex multi-component fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential fastening function from complex conventional fasteners and implements it through simple tabs with locking hooks that engage directly with the PALS ladder structure. This eliminates unnecessary components and simplifies the overall attachment mechanism while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If conventional clips and fasteners are used to secure gear, then the system can be easily manufactured, but the attachment becomes prone to detachment under shock or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hooks are designed to engage with the PALS ladder rungs in a preliminary locking action that secures the attachment before shock or impact occurs. The tabs are positioned and oriented to ensure immediate engagement with the ladder structure, preventing detachment under subsequent mechanical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking hooks incorporate curved or angled geometries that provide mechanical advantage and increased engagement surface area with the PALS ladder rungs. This curved design allows the hooks to better distribute shock loads and maintain secure attachment under impact conditions.
3Reliability
If multiple conventional fasteners are used per pouch, then secure attachment can be achieved, but the time required for attachment and detachment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system uses multiple simple tab elements distributed across the pouch attachment surface. Each tab provides independent secure engagement with the PALS ladder, achieving reliable attachment through distributed simple fasteners rather than fewer complex ones, thereby reducing total attachment time.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a system for securing an article to a ladder attachment system. The system includes a flexible material tab that includes a locking hook that positively secures the tab to a ladder attachment. Flexible material tabs can be provided integral to a substrate or secured to an article.