Holster Helical Locking Element Pushrod Release Mechanism
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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 that are time-consuming and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring a locking element with a helical protrusion or recess that is pivotably attached to the holster body, allowing for secure retention and easy release of the handgun through a pushrod and release lever mechanism, enabling quick and secure engagement and disengagement without additional user operation.
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 retention during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holster uses the handgun's own weight and insertion motion to automatically engage the locking element. When the handgun is inserted, gravity and the insertion force cause the locking element to pivot and lock into place without requiring any additional user action or complex actuating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the handgun and holster body. It transfers and secures the handgun through a mechanical locking action, providing reliable retention while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall holster structure.
2Reliability
If strap or flap arrangements are used, then handgun retention is secure, but the release process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holster automatically performs the retention and release functions. The handgun's insertion motion automatically engages the locking element, and the handgun's removal motion automatically disengages it, eliminating the need for manual strap manipulation or flap rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned and biased to automatically engage with the handgun upon insertion. The system is prepared in advance to lock the handgun securely without requiring any additional user actions during the holstering process.
3Loss of time
If a release lever with protrusion engaging trigger guard is used, then handgun release is quick, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides secure retention during normal use, enables quick release when needed, and automatically engages/disengages based on the handgun's motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate retention and release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically responds to the handgun's insertion and removal motions. It pivots to engage during insertion and pivots to disengage during removal, providing both secure retention and quick release capabilities without requiring a complex actuating system.
4Ease of operation
If automatic locking upon insertion is implemented, then user operation is simplified, but additional user actions may be required for securing
Solution Approach 1:
The holster completely automates the retention engagement process. The locking element responds automatically to the handgun's insertion motion and gravity, locking the handgun into place without requiring any additional user actions such as flipping clips or adjusting straps.
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 handgun retention and quick release, simplifying operation while ensuring the handgun is securely seated without additional user actions, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the rotation portion includes a helical portion formed in or around at least a portion of the rotation portion... interaction between the first end of the pushrod and the helical portion causes the locking element to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A holster defining a holster cavity; a locking element extending from a rotation portion to a locking engagement portion, the rotation portion including a helical portion formed in or around at least a portion of the rotation portion, the locking engagement portion including a handgun locking portion, the locking element being rotatable between a locking element retention position and a locking element release position, in the locking element retention position at least a portion of handgun locking portion extends into at least a portion of the holster cavity; and a pushrod extending from a release lever, the pushrod being slidable between a release lever retention position and a release lever release position such that if the pushrod is urged to the release lever release position, interaction between the pushrod and the helical portion causes the locking element to rotate toward the locking element release position.