Holster Retention Mechanism with Adjustable Friction and Thumb Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm holsters lack effective multi-level retention mechanisms that provide secure storage while ensuring easy access, particularly in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring a first retention device with an anchor body, flexible arm, and adjustable fastener, and a second retention device with a pivoting hood and thumb lock, enhancing frictional engagement and secure retention through adjustable features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple retention features are used to secure the firearm, then retention reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into multiple independent retention devices: a first retention device with a flexible arm and spring for general retention, and a second retention device with a pivoting hood and thumb lock for enhanced security. Each device can function independently, allowing the system to achieve high retention reliability without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The first retention device incorporates a flexible arm that can dynamically adjust to the firearm's position and a spring that provides adaptive retention force. The second retention device features a pivoting hood that can rotate between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the system to adapt to different retention needs while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If retention force is increased to secure the firearm, then retention reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible arm with spring provides dynamic retention force that maintains strong engagement during normal conditions but can be easily released when needed. The pivoting hood mechanism allows the user to quickly disengage the second retention device by simply moving the hood to a different position, enabling easy access while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded flexible arm automatically adjusts its retention force based on the firearm's position, and the pivoting hood mechanism self-locks when engaged. These self-regulating features eliminate the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable retention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable retention features are added to control friction, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring constant and the angle of the flexible arm can be adjusted to change the retention force characteristics. The pivoting hood mechanism allows adjustment of the engagement angle and force distribution. These parameter adjustments are achieved through simple mechanical modifications rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable retention features are segmented into separate components: the spring mechanism for force adjustment and the pivoting hood for angle adjustment. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall adjustment mechanism compared to a single integrated complex system.
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 enhanced security and ease of access by ensuring robust firearm retention with adjustable friction control, suitable for various environments and user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to bias the flexible arm against the firearm
Implementation Method 2
a flexible arm extending from the anchor body and to press against the firearm when in the cavity
Implementation Method 3
The elongate fastener may comprise a threaded shank to threadingly engage a threaded through passageway in the anchor body
Data Source
AI summary
A holster is for a firearm and may include a holster body having a proximal wall to be adjacent a user, a distal wall opposite the proximal wall and defining a cavity to receive the firearm, a first longitudinal side coupling the proximal wall and the distal wall, and a second longitudinal side opposite the first longitudinal side and coupling the proximal wall and the distal wall. The holster may include a first retention device having an anchor body coupled between the proximal wall and the distal wall at the second longitudinal side, a flexible arm extending from the anchor body and to press against the firearm when in the cavity, and an adjustable feature carried by the anchor body and configured to bias the flexible arm against the firearm.