Holster Helical Locking Element Pushrod Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holsters often fail to securely retain handguns during movement and require cumbersome strap or lever operations for quick release and resecuring, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring a locking element with helical protrusions or recesses that rotates between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing for secure retention and easy release of the handgun via a pushrod and release lever mechanism, enabling quick and secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction-only retention is used, then the holster structure is simple, but the handgun may lose retention during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent components: a friction-fit cavity for basic retention and a separate locking element with helical features for secure engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element incorporates helical (screw-like) curved surfaces that engage with corresponding features on the handgun. These curved helical surfaces provide mechanical interlocking through rotational engagement, significantly improving retention reliability during movement.
2Reliability
If strap or flap arrangements are used, then the handgun is securely retained, but the release and resecuring operations are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to rotate dynamically between locked and unlocked positions. A偏置释放杠杆（biased release lever）provides mechanical advantage, allowing the user to quickly rotate the locking element with minimal effort, enabling rapid release and resecuring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the handgun when inserted into the holster cavity, providing self-retention without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by maintaining retention automatically once the handgun is holstered.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable release lever is used, then the handgun can be quickly released, but the holster structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever and locking element are merged into a single integrated rotational mechanism. The release lever rotates the locking element about a fulcrum point, combining the release operation and locking element movement into one unified action, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining quick release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical retention engagement, acts as a pivot point for the release lever, and enables both locking and releasing operations through a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A holster having a holster body; a locking element having a helical ramp surface, wherein the locking element is at least rotatable between a locking element engaged position, wherein at least a portion of a locking projection portion 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 of the locking element is withdrawn from the at least partial cavity portion; and a release lever attached or coupled to a pushrod, and wherein as the release lever is urged toward the locking element, interaction between a first end of the pushrod and the helical ramp surface causes the locking element to rotate toward the release lever disengaged position.