Pouch Attachment Flap Extension for Vest Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load carrying assemblies, such as ballistic vests, face difficulties in quickly donning and doffing due to weighty accessories hanging from side portions, causing unwieldiness and potential damage, especially during urgent conditions like helicopter boarding, where attachments can snag on objects, posing risks.
Innovation Solution
A pouch attachment system with a flap extension that securely fastens to the vest's attachment pocket using hook and loop fasteners, distributing the weight towards the front or rear section, preventing accessories from hanging and reducing snagging risks, allowing easier maneuverability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple and/or heavy accessories are attached to the side portions (cummerbund) of a load carrying assembly, then the user can carry more equipment, but the assembly becomes unwieldy to carry and maneuver when removed, and accessories may hang down and potentially be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch attachment is divided into two functional parts: a pouch section for holding accessories and a flap extension for attachment. This segmentation allows the accessory-holding function to be separated from the attachment mechanism, enabling the pouch to be securely fastened to the front or rear section while preventing it from hanging when the cummerbund is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap extension is positioned inside the attachment pocket of the front or rear section, creating a nested configuration where the pouch attachment is contained within the pocket structure. This nesting secures the pouch in place and prevents it from hanging down when the load carrying assembly is removed from the user's body.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple and/or heavy accessories are attached to the side portions of a load carrying assembly, then the user can carry more equipment, but attachments can snag on objects in the field, causing delays and putting the user at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The flap extension is inserted into the attachment pocket and secured within it, creating a nested configuration that protects the pouch attachment from external objects. This nested structure prevents the pouch and its contents from snagging on equipment or terrain during rapid movement or doffing of the load carrying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch attachment is extracted from the side portion (cummerbund) attachment system and repositioned to attach to the front or rear section via the attachment pocket. This extraction removes the pouch from the vulnerable side attachment point, eliminating the snagging risk associated with side-mounted accessories.
3Quantity of substance
If heavy accessories are attached to the side portions of a load carrying assembly, then the user can carry more weight, but the assembly becomes difficult to quickly doff and don under urgent conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch attachment is pre-configured with a flap extension that is designed to be inserted into the attachment pocket in advance. The flap extension includes pre-positioned fasteners that align with corresponding fasteners in the attachment pocket, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex manipulation during urgent doffing or donning situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch attachment system is segmented into the pouch section and the flap extension, with the flap extension serving as a dedicated attachment interface. This segmentation allows the pouch to be independently attached to the front or rear section via the attachment pocket, separating the accessory-carrying function from the side portion attachment system and enabling faster doffing and donning.
4Quantity of substance
If accessories are attached to the side portions of a load carrying assembly, then the user can carry more equipment, but the weight distribution becomes unbalanced, making the assembly unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch attachment system serves multiple functions: it can attach to either the front or rear section of the load carrying assembly, providing versatile attachment options. This multi-functionality allows the user to distribute weight more effectively by placing pouches on different sections (front, rear, or both sides) depending on the specific mission requirements and weight distribution needs, thereby maintaining better balance and stability.
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 pouch attachment system ensures secure, ergonomic placement of accessories, facilitating easier removal and maneuverability of load carrying assemblies while protecting items from damage and snagging, enhancing user safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fastener being positioned inside the attachment pocket; and a pouch attachment including a pouch section configured to hold an accessory, and a flap extension fixed to the pouch section and including another fastener
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a load carrying assembly, including: a vest having a front section, a rear section spaced rearwardly of the front section, and left and side sections extending between the front and rear sections, wherein the front section and/or the rear section includes an attachment pocket; and a pouch attachment has a flap extension fixed to a pouch section, wherein the flap extension has a fastener that is configured to securely attach to a corresponding fastener positioned inside the attachment pocket.