Panel and system for load carriage and protection for tactical and non-tactical garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load-bearing tactical and non-tactical garments, such as armor vests and cummerbunds, face a reduction in load-carrying capacity due to the space occupied by mechanical release mechanisms, which also leave areas unprotected and unable to mount pouches or equipment.
Innovation Solution
An attachment panel with a reinforcement structure and fabric-mounted slots is integrated to cover the release mechanism, allowing pouches and equipment to be mounted while securing the panel to the garment using securing mechanisms like zip ties, ensuring the panel does not fold back and providing a continuous MOLLE grid for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical release mechanism is used to fasten the cummerbund, then the garment can be quickly donned and doffed, but the space occupied by the release mechanism reduces load-carrying capacity and leaves areas unprotected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cummerbund into two separate components: the main cummerbund body with the release mechanism, and an additional attachment panel that can be independently secured. This segmentation allows the release mechanism to remain functional while the attachment panel provides additional load-carrying capacity and protection in the previously unusable area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimensional layer by introducing an attachment panel that overlays the release mechanism area. This creates a multi-layer structure where the panel extends the functional surface area, allowing pouches and equipment to be mounted on the panel rather than directly on the cummerbund, thereby increasing load-carrying capacity without interfering with the release mechanism's operation.
2Device complexity
If the release mechanism area is left exposed, then the structure remains simple, but the area is unprotected and cannot mount pouches or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the release mechanism from impacts, provides a mounting surface for pouches and equipment, and maintains the structural integrity of the cummerbund. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by adding protection and utility without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment panel acts as an intermediary layer between the release mechanism and the external environment. It shields the release mechanism from direct impacts and forces, while its securing mechanisms (zip ties, straps, or velcro) allow for easy attachment and removal, maintaining structural simplicity while providing necessary protection.
3Quantity of substance
If an attachment panel is added to cover the release mechanism, then load-carrying capacity and protection are enhanced, but the panel may fold back and interfere with functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The panel incorporates securing mechanisms such as zip ties, straps, or velcro attachments that are pre-configured to fasten the panel to the cummerbund. These preliminary securing actions prevent the panel from folding back during use, ensuring reliability while maintaining the enhanced load-carrying capacity and protection benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A panel covers a release mechanism of a garment and enables the mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The panel includes a reinforcement structure, a fabric having mounting slots wound over the reinforcement structure, and a securing mechanism that secures the panel to the release mechanism of the garment. Also, a garment may include a built-in panel that covers a release mechanism and enables mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The garment includes a main garment portion, a release mechanism extending from an open end of the garment, and the built-in panel incorporated into the main garment portion.