Minimalist IWB Holster With Passive Retention and Reduced Bulk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inside the waistband (IWB) holsters are bulky and uncomfortable due to excessive material usage, compromising concealability and aesthetic appeal while lacking efficient passive retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A minimalist IWB holster design with reduced material volume and passive retention features, featuring large windows and a U-shaped web portion that exposes the handgun slide and frame, along with a PRD ramp system for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fully enclosed IWB holster design is used, then handgun retention and protection are improved, but holster bulk and material usage increase, compromising concealability and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The holster is divided into multiple functional sections: a retention section with substantial walls for secure handgun holding, and a web section with large windows for concealability. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the retention section provides security while the web section minimizes bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the holster have different levels of enclosure and material thickness. The retention section has substantial walls for security, while the web section has large windows (exposing 30% or more of the handgun) for concealability. The bottom is open along the trigger guard area, providing localized optimization for each functional requirement.
2Reliability
If more material is used to enclose the handgun, then retention and protection are improved, but weight and concealability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The holster separates retention functions from enclosure functions. The retention section contains the necessary material for passive retention, while the web section uses minimal material (narrow elements instead of broad walls) to maintain structural integrity without adding unnecessary weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts only the essential material needed for retention and protection, removing excess material from the web section. Large windows and narrow web elements eliminate unnecessary material while preserving the core retention function in the enclosed section.
3Volume of stationary object
If holster material volume is reduced for comfort and concealability, then weight and bulk are improved, but retention functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holster provides substantial enclosure and retention features in the retention section where they are most needed, while using minimal material in the web section. The face and body walls substantially enclose the middle section for retention, while the web portion with large windows minimizes material usage without compromising overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the holster into retention and web sections, the design allows the retention section to provide full functionality with substantial walls, while the web section contributes minimal material. The combination achieves full holster functionality with reduced overall material volume.
Data Source
AI summary
A holster for carrying a handgun of the type having a front section including a muzzle, a middle section including a trigger guard, and a back section including a grip, includes a holster upper section with walls configured to substantially enclose the middle section of a handgun when the handgun is carried in the holster. The holster also includes a generally open holster web portion that extends forward from the holster upper section and that defines a window through which is visible a substantial portion of the front section of a handgun when the handgun is carried in the holster.