Holster Height and Rotation Adjuster Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current competition holsters require separate procedures for adjusting the height and angle, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming for competitive pistol shooters aiming for quick draw and retention.

Innovation Solution

An integrated adjuster mechanism with a slidable housing, spherical and cylindrical surfaces, and adjustable screws allows for simultaneous height and angle adjustments of the holster body, enabling quick and secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate screws are used for adjusting height and angle, then the holster can be adjusted in both dimensions, but the adjustment procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate adjustment mechanisms (height and angle) into a single integrated adjuster assembly. The ball joint mechanism allows both vertical movement (height adjustment) and rotational movement (angle adjustment) to be performed through one unified structure, eliminating the need for two separate screws and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single adjuster assembly performs multiple functions: it provides both height adjustment along the drop arm and angle adjustment relative to the drop arm. The ball joint design enables the same mechanism to handle both degrees of freedom, making the adjuster universal for both adjustment needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate screws are used for adjusting height and angle, then both dimensions can be adjusted, but the time required for setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the height and angle adjustment into one integrated mechanism, the patent reduces the number of steps required for setup. The ball joint allows the holster to be positioned and oriented in both dimensions through a single adjustment motion, significantly reducing setup time for competitive pistol shooters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If an integrated adjuster is used, then adjustment speed increases, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidadjuster mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a ball joint mechanism with spherical surfaces that enable smooth, intuitive adjustment movements. The curved geometry of the ball joint allows for natural rotational and translational movements, making the complex adjustment function intuitive and easy to operate despite the integrated nature of the mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS9109857B2Height and rotation adjuster for competition holster

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 SAFARILAND LLC

AI summary

A height and rotation adjuster for a competition holster includes an adjuster connected between a holster body and a drop arm. The adjuster includes a ball and socket joint for adjustably supporting the holster body on the drop arm.