MOLLE Sheath Attachment System for Secure Tool Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) systems lack a secure, accessible, and low-profile attachment method for tools like rescue hooks, which are essential for emergency situations, as they often require cumbersome and insecure attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece sheath with a large hook and multiple smaller hooks that secure underneath and over MOLLE webbing, combined with a detent feature for retaining the tool, allowing easy insertion and secure attachment to alternating rows of MOLLE webbing, ensuring the tool can be positioned in either direction and easily accessed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional MOLLE attachment methods are used, then the system provides modular load-carrying capability, but the attachment of tools like rescue hooks becomes cumbersome and insecure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into multiple independent hook elements (large hook and smaller hooks) that can engage with different rows of MOLLE webbing separately. This segmentation allows each hook to independently secure the sheath, providing redundant attachment points that enhance reliability while maintaining ease of operation through modular engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The smaller hooks are integrated into the sheath structure in a nested manner, where the hooks are embedded within or attached to the sheath body. This nesting allows the attachment mechanism to be compact and low-profile while still providing secure engagement with the MOLLE webbing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a secure attachment method is implemented, then the tool is safely retained, but the profile and accessibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool retentionVSAvoidprofile

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath employs local quality by positioning hooks at specific locations where they engage with alternating rows of MOLLE webbing. The large hook and smaller hooks are strategically placed to provide secure retention at critical attachment points while keeping the overall sheath profile low and streamlined for accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the tool is securely retained in the sheath, then safety is improved, but ease of deployment may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe retentionVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detent feature provides dynamic retention that allows the tool to be securely held during normal activities but can be quickly released when needed. The detent mechanism enables one-handed operation for both retention and deployment, balancing safe retention with rapid accessibility in emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10603804B2Sheath with attachment system

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 BENCHMADE KNIFE CO INC

AI summary

A sheath attaches to MOLLE webbing using one large hook that secures underneath the top of MOLLE webbing and two or more hooks that attach over the bottom of MOLLE webbing.