Modular Load-Bearing Harness Panels for Lightweight MOLLE Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load bearing systems are not adaptable to fit different body sizes, body parts, pouch configurations, and opening configurations, and add significant weight, compromising energy conservation and comfort in challenging environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular load bearing harness system with adaptable load-bearing panels and adaptor panels that include void spaces and interoperable openings, allowing connection via vertical bands to minimize weight and accommodate various configurations without additional weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load bearing systems are used, then structural strength and load capacity are maintained, but the system adds significant weight and lacks adaptability to different body sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The load bearing system is divided into multiple separate panels (front panel, back panel, hip belt) that can be independently selected and combined. Each panel contains standardized aperture patterns that allow flexible configuration without requiring a complete system redesign for different body sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal aperture patterns and standardized connection points across all panels that work with various harness band configurations. The same panel design can accommodate different body sizes by adjusting the positioning and combination of panels rather than requiring size-specific components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional load bearing systems are used, then load capacity is maintained, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate different pouch configurations and opening configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the load bearing function into discrete panels with standardized aperture patterns. This segmentation allows pouches and accessories to be attached to specific panels based on load distribution requirements without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the panels feature different aperture patterns optimized for specific functions - the front panel has apertures suited for chest harness attachment, the hip belt has patterns for pelvic attachment, and each region can be independently configured for pouch attachment based on local load requirements.
3Ease of operation
If traditional harness designs are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the system does not allow for easy adjustment to fit different body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling users to adjust the positioning of panels relative to each other and to reposition harness bands through multiple aperture options. This dynamic adjustability maintains structural integrity while accommodating different body part configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A MOLLE system compatible garment has a lightweight attachment structure of horizontal bands connected by vertical bands and supports attachment of utility pouches woven onto this structure with vertical bands affixed at top of each pouch and secured at the bottom. This system has differently sized mono-layer load bearing panels cut to define holes delimiting vertical structural columns and vertical lightweight columns with horizontal bands which together present attachment points that correspond to those of a PALS webbing system. The system has mono-layer adaptor panels cut to define holes delimiting single vertical structural columns mounting different military standard connectors. The load bearing panels when overlaid with universal connector adaptor panels are secured by the weaving of the attached utility pouches' vertical bands to present a complete equipment carrying platform compatible with MOLLE system load carriage equipment.