Quick Release Tuck Strap for Protective Vest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional protective vests require multiple steps to remove, which is undesirable in high-pressure situations where time is critical for attending to an injured user or removing them from a dangerous situation.
Innovation Solution
A releasable fastener system that includes a stiffening member between loops on a vest, allowing for a leverage-type attachment and easy release with a pull mechanism, enabling quick detachment of the vest by pulling a tab to disengage the stiffening member from its secured position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple buckles and straps are used to secure the protective vest, then the vest can be firmly fastened to the user, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into multiple independent quick-release mechanisms distributed at different locations (shoulder straps, chest, waist). Each mechanism can be independently actuated, allowing the vest to be removed by pulling multiple tabs simultaneously rather than sequentially unbuckling multiple buckles, thus maintaining strong fastening while enabling rapid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
A stiffening member is introduced as an intermediary element between the strap and the buckle mechanism. This stiffening member includes a pull tab that acts as a mediator, allowing the user to apply force to release the fastening mechanism without having to manually manipulate the buckle components directly, thereby simplifying the removal operation while maintaining secure fastening.
2Reliability
If multiple steps are required to unsecure the detachable straps, then the vest can be securely fastened, but the removal time increases which is undesirable in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanisms are pre-configured with pull tabs and stiffening members that are positioned and prepared in advance. When removal is needed, the user simply needs to pull the pre-positioned tabs without having to locate or manipulate multiple separate components, thus maintaining reliable fastening during normal use while enabling immediate removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static multi-buckle configuration to a dynamic quick-release system where the stiffening members can be easily actuated. The pull tabs provide a mechanical advantage that allows rapid transition from the fastened state to the released state, reducing removal time while maintaining fastening reliability during wear.
3Strength
If conventional buckles are used, then the vest can be firmly attached, but locating and disengaging multiple buckles under high pressure situations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pull tabs of the quick-release mechanisms can be made with contrasting colors or visual markers that make them easily locatable under stress. The stiffening members provide a distinct visual profile that distinguishes them from the surrounding vest material, allowing users to quickly identify and grasp the release points without having to search for traditional buckle components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening members with pull tabs serve as intermediaries that simplify the interaction between the user and the fastening system. Instead of having to locate and manipulate small buckle components, the user interacts with the larger, more visible pull tabs that provide mechanical leverage, making the disengagement process intuitive and accessible even under high-pressure conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable fastener system includes a first base material and a second base material being fastened together when the fastener system is in a fastened state and released from one another when the fastener system is in a released state. The fastener system further includes a stiffening member fastened to the second base material. A bottom loop is spaced from the first base material such that at least a portion of the stiffening member resides between the bottom loop and the first base material when the fastener system is in the fastened state. A top loop being spaced from the bottom loop such that a portion of the second base material resides between the top and bottom loops when the system is in the fastened state, wherein at least one of the top and bottom loops is fastened to the first base material.