Retention Holster Latch Engages Weapon Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Level 2 retention holsters do not adequately prevent unauthorized removal of handguns, as they require a separate positive action by the user but lack active security features.
Innovation Solution
A retention holster with a latch mechanism that engages a weapon-mounted light to prevent removal, featuring a spring-biased latch that pivots and is operated by a thumb release mechanism, transforming translational motion into rotational motion to secure or release the handgun.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to provide active retention, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated directly into the holster shell structure, merging the retention function with the existing holster body rather than adding a separate complex assembly. The latch member is positioned to engage the weapon-mounted light housing, combining multiple retention functions into a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is spring-biased to automatically engage with the weapon-mounted light housing when the handgun is inserted into the holster, providing self-latching without requiring user intervention. The thumb release provides a simple manual override when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb release mechanism is implemented, then ease of authorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted as a separate, simple thumb-operated component that acts on the latch mechanism. This allows the release function to be independently optimized for ease of operation while maintaining integration with the overall latch system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manipulate a complex locking mechanism to release the handgun, the design inverts the approach by providing a simple thumb release that overrides the spring-biased latch, making authorized access easier while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If the latch engages the weapon-mounted light, then retention reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage a specific local feature (the weapon-mounted light housing) rather than requiring engagement with various parts of different handguns. This localized engagement point provides reliable retention while the overall holster design remains adaptable to different handgun configurations through proper positioning and adjustment features.
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
Enhances security by ensuring the handgun remains locked in the holster unless intentionally released, providing active retention against unauthorized withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft, latch member, cross pin and first spring can be configured to permit the latch member to be moved out of the locked position by the weapon mounted light, allow insertion of the handgun into the holster, and move the latch member back into the locked position.
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism can comprise a helical slot associated with the latch, and a cross pin associated with the shell and riding in the helical slot.
Implementation Method 3
A Level 1 retention holster is a holster that relies solely on friction to retain the handgun.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention holster for a handgun outfitted with a weapon mounted light comprises a holster shell, a latch movable between locked and released positions, the latch when in the locked position configured to engage a surface of the light to prevent removal of the handgun from the holster, the latch when in the released position configured to permit removal of the handgun from the holster, and a thumb release configured to move the latch from the locked position to the released position.