Rotating Helical Locking Element for Quick-Release Holster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holsters often rely on friction or complex strap/flap arrangements, which are not suitable for situations with significant movement and require time-consuming operation for securing and releasing the handgun, lacking a quick and secure solution for retaining and releasing firearms.
Innovation Solution
A locking holster with a helical locking element that extends from the surface, featuring a rotatable locking mechanism with a helical projection and recess, allowing secure retention and quick release of the handgun through interaction with the trigger guard, facilitated by an engagement lever accessible by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If friction-based retention is used, then the holster is simple in structure, but the handgun may become loose during significant movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking element with helical features that engages the trigger guard, and a rotation element that controls the locking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability during movement.
2Reliability
If strap or flap arrangements are used, then the handgun is securely retained, but the user must spend time unfastening and refasten the strap
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from static strap arrangements to a dynamic rotational system. The rotation element allows the locking element to pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling quick one-handed operation without the time-consuming steps of unfastening and refastenening straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical features on the locking element automatically engage with corresponding features on the trigger guard when the handgun is inserted, providing self-locking functionality. The biasing element maintains continuous pressure to ensure automatic engagement without requiring user intervention for each locking action.
3Ease of operation
If a release lever pivoting on a fulcrum is used, then the handgun can be quickly released, but the structure becomes more complex with additional pivot pins
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and rotation element are combined into a single integrated assembly that rotates together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate fulcrum pins and reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining the quick release functionality through rotational motion.
4Reliability
If a rotatable locking element with helical features is used, then secure retention and quick release are achieved, but the manufacturing of helical features adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The helical features on the locking element serve multiple functions: they provide the locking engagement surface, guide the rotational motion during engagement, and maintain alignment between the locking element and trigger guard. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components despite the added manufacturing complexity of the helical features.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking holster having a holster body defining an at least partial cavity portion; a locking element having a helical portion, wherein the locking element is at least partially rotatable between an engaged position wherein at least the locking projection portion of the locking element protrudes into at least a portion of the at least partial cavity portion of the holster and a disengaged position wherein at least a portion of the locking element is at least partially withdrawn from at least a portion of the at least partial cavity portion of the holster; a rod element, attached or coupled to a first end of the locking element; and an engagement lever attached or coupled to a second end of the rod element, wherein angular manipulation or rotation of at least a portion of the engagement lever results in angular manipulation or rotation of the locking element.