Hexagonal Mounting Panel for Rigid PALS Equipment Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PALS compatible mounting systems are inadequate for securely attaching heavy equipment such as rifles or shotguns, as they may not provide sufficient rigidity to prevent jostling, especially when used on off-road vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular mounting system featuring a panel with a hexagonal array of primary apertures and secondary apertures, combined with a backing plate, indexing plate, and front mounting bracket, to create a rigid attachment point for heavy equipment while maintaining compatibility with PALS straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PALS straps alone are used to secure equipment, then compatibility with MOLLE equipment is maintained, but heavy equipment cannot be secured sufficiently to prevent jostling
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a rigid panel with apertures for structural support, PALS straps for compatibility and flexibility, and mounting brackets for equipment attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the rigid panel structure with the flexible PALS strap system to create a hybrid mounting solution. The rigid panel provides structural strength for heavy equipment, while the PALS straps maintain compatibility with existing MOLLE equipment, combining the advantages of both approaches.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mounting system is used for heavy equipment, then jostling is prevented, but compatibility with PALS straps is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to serve multiple functions: the rigid panel provides stable mounting for heavy equipment, while integrated PALS straps enable attachment of standard MOLLE pouches and equipment. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle both heavy rigid equipment and flexible soft goods.
Solution Approach 2:
The PALS straps act as an intermediary between the rigid panel structure and standard MOLLE equipment. They provide the interface that maintains compatibility with existing gear while the rigid panel handles the structural load-bearing function.
3Force
If heavy equipment is secured with PALS straps only, then equipment can be attached, but insufficient rigidity causes jostling on off-road vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses a composite approach combining rigid panel material (providing high strength and rigidity) with flexible PALS strap material (providing flexibility and compatibility). This composite structure delivers both the attachment force needed for heavy equipment and the reliability required for off-road conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular mounting system includes a panel with a hexagonal array of primary apertures each of which has at least three planes of symmetry. Each of the primary apertures is separated from an adjacent primary aperture by a secondary aperture comprising an elongated opening having a length that is greater than the width of a PALS strap. A mounting system comprising a backing plate, an optional separate indexing plate and a front mounting bracket can be assembled to the panel to provide a rigid attachment between the equipment and the panel.