Modular Military Ribbon Holder Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional military ribbon holders are inflexible and require replacement as the number of ribbons awarded to an individual increases, leading to increased costs and potential damage to the ribbons during rearrangement.

Innovation Solution

A modular military ribbon holder assembly kit that includes racks configured to hold a single ribbon, with connectors allowing easy reconfiguration and addition of new racks without removing existing ribbons, using engagement members and apertures for secure coupling and a pin for attachment to a uniform.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ribbon holders with fixed-length support channels are used, then they can hold a predetermined number of ribbons, but they lack flexibility to add additional ribbons and require replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to add ribbonsVSAvoidreplacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ribbon holder is divided into multiple detachable rack units, each capable of holding one or more ribbons. These racks can be independently added or removed from the connector, allowing the holder to be segmented and reconfigured based on the number of ribbons needed without replacing the entire assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ribbon holder transitions from a static, fixed-configuration design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The engagement members and apertures enable racks to be easily attached and detached, allowing the structure to adapt its capacity over time as ribbons are awarded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If ribbon support channels are made longer to accommodate multiple ribbons, then more ribbons can be held initially, but visible portions of the channels become apparent when fewer ribbons are worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of ribbons heldVSAvoidvisibility of support channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using one long visible channel, the support structure is segmented into multiple rack units. Each rack unit is sized to be substantially obscured by a ribbon when present, and only the necessary number of racks are attached to the connector, ensuring no visible support structures regardless of ribbon quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each rack unit is designed with specific local dimensions that allow it to be fully obscured by a single ribbon or a portion of multiple ribbons. This local optimization ensures that whichever racks are attached will be completely covered, eliminating visible support channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-configuration ribbon holders are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but costs increase due to frequent replacements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreplacement time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized, mass-producible rack units and a connector. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled as needed. This modular approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while eliminating replacement costs, as racks can be added to the existing connector rather than replacing the entire holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple rack units and different ribbon configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same connector to serve throughout the wearer's career, accommodating varying numbers of ribbons without requiring replacement of the main housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If ribbons are removed and rearranged on conventional holders, then configuration can be updated, but damage to ribbons may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfiguration abilityVSAvoidribbon damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Racks can be independently detached from the connector without removing ribbons from the racks themselves. This allows the rack positions to be reconfigured while leaving ribbons undisturbed on their racks, eliminating handling damage. The segmented design separates the reconfigurable element (racks) from the fragile element (ribbons).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack acts as an intermediary between the connector and the ribbon. Reconfiguration is achieved by moving or adding racks rather than directly manipulating ribbons. This intermediary approach protects ribbons from direct handling and potential damage during the reconfiguration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10111503B1Modular military ribbon holder assembly

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 EGGER CHRISTIAN

AI summary

A modular military ribbon holder assembly kit includes a rack having a back surface defining a rack length and a rack width; a connector having a connect length and a connector width and being configured to engage a portion of the back surface of the rack, wherein the connector length is less than the rack length and the connector width is less than the rack width; at least two engagement members extending outward from one of the back surface or the connector; and at least two apertures defined by the other of the back surface or the connector.