Interchangeable Holster Cowlings for Multi-Firearm Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holsters are limited in their ability to accommodate multiple firearm models or configurations with various accessories, requiring multiple holsters or complex tool-based adjustments, which is impractical for law enforcement and military personnel adapting to changing situations.
Innovation Solution
A holster design featuring toollessly interchangeable cowling members with a latch device that includes grooves and slide members with L-shaped transverse cross-sectional portions, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling without tools, enabling quick adaptation to different pistol configurations and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional holsters are designed to hold a specific model or type of sidearm, then the holster provides secure retention and proper positioning, but the holster cannot accommodate multiple firearm models or configurations with various accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The holster is divided into a frame member and an interchangeable cowling member that can be separately coupled and decoupled. The cowling member is further segmented into multiple interchangeable versions, each designed to accommodate different firearm models or configurations. This segmentation allows the holster to adapt to various firearms without redesigning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member is designed as a universal base structure that can work with multiple different cowling members. The standardized interface between the frame and cowling members allows a single frame to accommodate various firearm types by simply changing the cowling member, achieving multi-functionality without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple holsters are carried to accommodate different firearms and configurations, then each holster provides optimized retention and positioning, but the user carries additional weight and requires multiple holster attachments
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal frame member can accommodate multiple different cowling members, each designed for specific firearm configurations. This allows the user to carry one frame with multiple interchangeable cowlings instead of multiple complete holsters, significantly reducing weight while maintaining adaptability across different firearm models and accessory configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If tool-based adjustments are used to modify holster configurations, then precise adjustments can be made, but the process requires tools and time that are impractical for law enforcement and military personnel adapting to changing situations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism between the frame member and cowling members is designed to be self-servicing, requiring no external tools for assembly or disassembly. The snap-fit or bayonet-style interface allows personnel to quickly change cowling members in the field using only hand strength, enabling rapid adaptation to different firearms while maintaining precise fit and retention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single holster is designed to accommodate multiple firearm configurations, then the number of holsters to carry is reduced, but the fit and retention for each specific firearm model may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holster into a universal frame and specialized interchangeable cowling members, each cowling can be precisely engineered for a specific firearm model or configuration. This ensures optimal fit and retention for each firearm type while maintaining the ability to switch between different configurations, thereby preserving reliability across all firearm models.
Data Source
AI summary
A holster with interchangeable cowling members for reconfiguring the holster pocket to accommodate pistols of varying sizes including pistols with add-on attachments including a frame member forming at least a first portion of a holster pocket, a cowling member cooperatively associated with the frame member forming a second portion of the holster pocket, at least one slide member associated with one of the frame member and cowling member, at least one groove associated with the other of the frame member and cowling member, the groove being adaptable to receive the slide member for selective longitudinal movement therealong, and a latch device having a first portion cooperating with the frame member and a second portion cooperating with the cowling member and operable to selectively prevent relative movement therebetween. The groove, slide member and latch device releasably mount the cowling member to the frame member.