Modular Pouch Attachment Plate With Quiet Dust-Protected Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pouch attachment systems, particularly those using hook and loop fasteners, suffer from disadvantages such as heaviness, noise, low strength, and failure under dirty and dusty conditions, making them unsuitable for military applications where silence and durability are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A platform with vertically aligned slits and a hook and loop fastening system is used, where the fastening components are hidden behind a protective cover to reduce noise and prevent particulate ingress, and tabs are inserted through the slits for attachment, allowing for easy and quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used for pouch attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but weight increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hook and loop fastening mechanism from the main pouch body and relocates it to a separate attachment plate. This allows the fastener to be used only when needed for attachment/detachment operations, reducing its overall impact on the system while maintaining ease of operation. The fastener is taken out of continuous contact with the pouch, reducing weight and noise generation during normal wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment plate serves as an intermediary between the pouch and the carrier garment. It provides a dedicated mounting surface with integrated fasteners, separating the pouch fabric from the fastening mechanism. This intermediary structure allows the pouch to be lighter while the plate handles the fastening function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and weight.
2Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are exposed, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under dirty and dusty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different protective qualities to different areas of the fastening system. The hook and loop fasteners are positioned within a recessed area of the attachment plate, providing localized protection from dust and particulates while maintaining accessibility for attachment operations. This local quality enhancement protects the fastening surfaces without compromising ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed positioning of the fasteners in the attachment plate provides beforehand protection against dust and particulate contamination. By anticipating the harmful effect of dust on fastener performance, the design pre-positions the fasteners in a protected location that shields them from direct exposure to dusty environments, ensuring reliable operation when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pouch attachment methods are used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment plate is designed with universal compatibility features, incorporating standard loop fastener surfaces that can interface with both hook-type pouches and loop-type carrier garments. This multi-functional design allows a single plate component to work with various existing pouch and carrier configurations, maintaining adaptability while simplifying the overall attachment system through standardization.
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
The system provides a lightweight, quiet, and durable attachment method that maintains functionality under dusty conditions, reducing noise and preventing fastener degradation while being compatible with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system thereon... a second component of the hook and loop fastening system
Implementation Method 2
the fastening components are hidden behind a protective cover to reduce noise and prevent particulate ingress
Implementation Method 3
the fastening components are hidden behind a protective cover to reduce noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An attachment system (32) comprises a platform (34) having a front side (50), an opposite back side (46), and a plurality of cuts or slits (36) through the platform (34) arranged in a predetermined pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, configured for receiving tabs (54, 72) or straps (26) for attaching at least one holder (28) to the platform (34). The platform (34) is supported by and comprises an element of, an attachment or accessory to, a carrier (58) configured to be worn on a user's body for carrying the at least one holder (28) at a desired location on the user's body. The platform (34) comprises laminated layers (42, 44) and the cuts or slits (36) are defined and bound by opposing edges (38, 40) of the laminated layers (42, 44), respectively. The cuts or slits (36) are formed by laser cutting, and the laminated layers (42, 44) are fused together by the laser cutting at the edges (38, 40) bounding and defining the cuts or slits (36), to increase stiffness and reduce sagging, reduce or eliminate fraying and increase wear and abrasion resistance, while still being sufficiently pliable or bendable to facilitate opening and insertion of a strap or a tab through a corresponding cut or slit (36).