MOLLE Adapter Assembly With Ratchet Retainer for Variant Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MOLLE/PALS attachment mounts are not adaptable to variants of the system, limiting the versatility of attaching items to load-bearing platforms.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly with a planar adapter body, parallel upper and lower arms, and ratchet toothed lower tines, combined with a retainer for secure attachment to MOLLE/PALS systems, allowing adaptable and secure mounting of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If typical attachment mounts are used for MOLLE/PALS systems, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to variants of the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with a universal interface that can attach to multiple variants of MOLLE/PALS systems. The upper arms with hook portions engage with horizontal slots while lower legs with lower arms engage with column portions and intermediate slots, creating a multi-functional attachment mechanism that works across different system configurations without requiring multiple specialized mounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the attachment assembly and the MOLLE/PALS system. It mediates the connection by providing a standardized interface that translates between different slot configurations and attachment requirements, enabling secure attachment across variants without direct customization of each mount to each system variant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized attachment mount is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but versatility in accommodating different strap sizes and configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: upper arms for horizontal slot engagement, lower legs with lower arms for column and intermediate slot engagement, and a body connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through modular design and standardized materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly provides universal compatibility through its multi-functional design. The upper arms can engage with horizontal slots at different positions, while the lower legs can engage with column portions and intermediate slots, allowing a single standardized mount design to accommodate various strap sizes and configurations without requiring multiple specialized designs.
3Reliability
If secure attachment is prioritized, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of detachment with moderate effort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that provide secure holding during normal use but allow easy release when needed. The hook portions on the upper arms and lower arms on the lower legs are designed to engage firmly with the slots during attachment, but can be easily disengaged by applying moderate pulling force, enabling the transition from secure attachment to easy detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment design inverts the traditional approach by making the attachment action secure through geometric interlocking (hooks engaging slots) while the detachment action is simplified by designing the engagement points to allow easy disengagement. The security comes from the interlocking geometry during attachment, while ease of detachment is achieved by allowing the components to separate with moderate force applied to the free ends.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly comprising an adapter plate and a retainer. The adapter plate comprises a substantially planar adapter body, a spaced pair of generally parallel upper for removably securing said adapter assembly to equipment, and a spaced pair of lower legs having a spaced pair of lower tines configured to have a gap there between, wherein the lower tines each comprise a ratchet tooth structure on an exterior surface thereof. The retainer is configured for slideable attachment to the lower tines and for spanning the gap between the lower tines, the retainer comprising a corresponding ratchet tooth on an interior surface thereof configured to engage with the ratchet tooth structure for a one-way slideable locking engagement of the retainer on the lower tines.