Integral Accessory Attachment Interface for Secure MOLLE Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The MOLLE-compatible attachment systems face issues with separate strap or coupling elements that can be lost or misplaced, and create significant gaps between accessories and carrier materials when interwoven.

Innovation Solution

An integral accessory attachment interface with a single, integral portion featuring attachment slots and accessory attachment elements that are folded over and stitched to the interface, providing secure attachment without separate components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate strap or coupling elements are used in MOLLE-compatible attachment systems, then the system allows for modular accessory attachment, but the separate elements can be lost or misplaced and create significant gaps between accessories and carrier materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular accessory attachmentVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the separate strap or coupling elements into the accessory itself, creating an integral attachment interface. The attachment interface portion is formed as a single integral piece with the accessory, eliminating the need for separate straps that can be lost or misplaced. This combining resolves the reliability issue while preserving modular attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment interface is segmented into distinct functional portions: an attachment interface portion that interfaces with the carrier material and an accessory portion that holds the accessory. This segmentation allows the attachment function to be integrated into the accessory while maintaining modular attachment capabilities through the standardized interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate strap or coupling elements are used in MOLLE-compatible attachment systems, then the system allows for modular accessory attachment, but significant gaps are created between accessories and carrier materials when interwoven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodular accessory attachmentVSAvoidgap formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the attachment interface directly into the accessory as an integral component, the patent eliminates the physical gap that occurs when separate straps are interwoven through MOLLE webbing. The attachment interface portion directly contacts both the carrier material and the accessory, creating a flush, gap-free connection while maintaining modular attachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If separate strap or coupling elements are used in MOLLE-compatible attachment systems, then attachment flexibility is provided, but the elements can be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the attachment interface directly into the accessory structure, eliminating separate strap or coupling elements that can be lost or misplaced. The integral design ensures that the attachment functionality is permanently integrated into the accessory, preventing component loss while maintaining attachment flexibility through the modular interface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory becomes self-sufficient with its own integrated attachment interface, eliminating the need for separate coupling elements that must be manually attached and can be lost. The accessory attaches directly to the carrier material through its built-in interface, making the system more reliable and easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11661254B1Integral accessory attachment interface

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 SENTRY SOLUTIONS PRODUCTS GROUP LLC

AI summary

An integral accessory attachment interface having at least some of an attachment interface portion having a plurality of attachment slots provided therethrough; and at least one accessory attachment element extending as an integral extension of a portion of said attachment interface portion, wherein at least a portion of the accessory attachment element is folded over, proximate a junction between the attachment interface portion and the accessory attachment element, wherein at least a portion of the accessory attachment element is urged through an aligned attachment slot formed proximate the junction between the attachment interface portion the accessory attachment element, to extend through the attachment slot, from a front side of the attachment interface portion, and wherein the accessory attachment element is at least partially attached or coupled to a portion of the attachment interface portion to assist in maintaining the accessory attachment element through the aligned attachment slot.