Helical Locking Element for Quick-Release Holster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holsters often fail to provide a secure and quick-release mechanism for handguns, relying on friction or complex strap arrangements, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in situations requiring rapid access or secure storage.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring a locking element with helical protrusions or recesses that securely engage the handgun's trigger guard, allowing for easy release via a pushrod and release lever mechanism, enabling quick and secure retention and release of the handgun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If friction-based retention is used, then the holster structure is simple, but the handgun may lose secure engagement during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically engages with the trigger guard when the handgun is inserted into the holster cavity, securing the handgun without requiring user action. The system self-activates through the natural insertion motion, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holster body and the handgun trigger guard. It translates the insertion motion into automatic engagement, providing a reliable mechanical connection that prevents the handgun from becoming dislodged during movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If strap or flap arrangements are used, then the handgun is securely retained, but the release and re-securing process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically disengages from the trigger guard when the release lever is actuated, and automatically re-engages when the handgun is re-inserted into the holster. This self-activating mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation of straps or flaps, dramatically reducing the time required for release and re-securing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to be dynamically responsive to user input through the release lever. It transitions smoothly between locked and unlocked states based on the lever's position, enabling rapid manipulation compared to static strap arrangements that require multiple manual steps for release and re-securing.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable release lever is used, then the handgun can be quickly released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever and locking element are merged into an integrated system where the lever's linear motion directly actuates the locking element's disengagement from the trigger guard. This combined design achieves quick release functionality while minimizing the number of separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to systems with separate release mechanisms.
4Reliability
If automatic locking upon seating is implemented, then the handgun is securely retained without user operation, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically engages with the trigger guard when the handgun is inserted into the holster cavity, securing the handgun without requiring user action. The system self-activates through the natural insertion motion, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the holster body and the handgun trigger guard. It translates the insertion motion into automatic engagement, providing a reliable mechanical connection that prevents the handgun from becoming dislodged during movement while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 holster provides secure retention of the handgun without additional user operation upon seating and allows for easy manipulation, enabling quick release when needed, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first helical ramp surface beginning at or proximate the proximal end and extending to a distal end of the locking element and a second helical ramp surface beginning at or proximate the proximal end and extending toward the distal end of the locking element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A holster (100) having a holster body (103,130); a locking element (140) having a first helical portion (145) defining a first helical ramp surface (144) and a second helical portion (147) defining a second helical ramp surface (148), wherein the locking element (140) is at least rotatable between a locking element engaged position, wherein at least a portion of the locking projection portion (146) of the locking element protrudes into an at least partial cavity portion of the holster and a locking element disengaged position, wherein at least a portion of the locking projection portion (146) of the locking element is withdrawn from the at least partial cavity portion; a pushrod (135) and a release lever (120) attached or coupled to said pushrod (135), and wherein as the release lever (120) is urged toward the locking element (140), interaction between a first end of the pushrod and the second helical ramp surface causes the locking element to rotate toward the release lever disengaged position.