Pivoting Holster Hood Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holsters fail to balance handgun security retention with quick draw capabilities, as friction retention is insufficient against high physical exertion and determined aggressors, and external security straps are slow to release under stress while being easily accessible to unauthorized individuals.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting holster hood with an automatic locking mechanism that engages with the handgun's surface features, requiring sequential manipulations to unlock, combined with a retention block and release lever system accessible only to the wearer, enhancing security and speed of draw.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction retention is used in the holster shell, then the handgun is retained securely during normal wear, but the retention is insufficient to prevent dropping during high physical exertion or unauthorized access by determined aggressors
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into multiple independent components: friction retention in the holster cavity, a pivoting hood with automatic lock, and a release lever mechanism. Each component provides a layer of security that must be overcome sequentially, transforming a single weak retention method into a multi-layered secure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic locking element performs preliminary locking action when the handgun is inserted into the holster, engaging with surface features of the handgun before any withdrawal attempt. This preliminary engagement prevents unauthorized access without requiring the wearer to take additional actions.
2Reliability
If external restraining straps or flaps are used to block handgun removal, then security retention is improved, but the release time under violent stress increases and accessibility to aggressors remains too easy
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking element acts as an intermediary between the handgun and the wearer, providing automatic engagement without requiring manual manipulation of external straps. The locking element mediates the retention function by automatically securing the handgun based on its insertion, eliminating the time-consuming manual strap release process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system performs self-service through automatic locking engagement when the handgun is inserted. The system automatically secures itself without requiring the wearer to manually adjust or engage external restraining elements, and the release lever provides quick one-handed operation for authorized access.
3Reliability
If multiple sequential retention manipulations are required, then unauthorized disarming is prevented and response time is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retention functions are merged into a single integrated pivoting hood assembly that combines the hood, automatic locking element, and release lever mechanism. This consolidation provides sequential security manipulations while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting hood assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier to unauthorized access, incorporates an automatic locking mechanism that engages with handgun surface features, and includes a release lever for quick authorized access. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 solution provides enhanced security by preventing unauthorized access while allowing the wearer to quickly draw the handgun, giving them additional time to respond to threats, and is designed to withstand high physical exertion and determined attempts to disarm.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring biases the hood actuator into a first reciprocated position, which locks the hood through mating engagement of a hood pawl and a first notch that is coupled to the holster shell
Implementation Method 2
friction retention within the holster cavity, through tight interference fit of the holster shell (e.g., shell molding) about the handgun surface
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting holster hood automatically locks over a handgun within the holster shell in a first pivot position and is selectively pivotable to a second position forward of the holster cavity upon depression of a reciprocating hood actuator that is coupled to a hood plate. A first spring cavity, defined by the first hood plate, and a second spring cavity, defined by the hood actuator are oriented in opposing communication, capturing a compression spring there between. The spring biases the second spring cavity and the hood actuator into a first reciprocated position, which locks the hood through mating engagement of a hood pawl and a notch of the holster shell. The hood actuator releases the hood pawl out of mating engagement with the shell notch, in opposition to the compression spring biasing force, unlocking the hood. In some embodiments, the hood automatically locks in the second position.