Rigid Base Connector With Pivot Locking Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors for the MOLLE/PALS system are inefficient due to flexible straps that hinder easy insertion through aligned loops, making attachment and detachment time-consuming and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a rigid base member and a locking assembly that includes a pivotally movable gripping member, allowing for quick and secure attachment or detachment by threading through aligned loops and utilizing a retainer and activating member for easy positioning between locking and release orientations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible straps are used as connectors, then the connector can be easily stored and handled, but the insertion through aligned loops becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storage and handlingVSAvoidtime for insertion through loops

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base member is constructed of a rigid material that allows minimal flexing, and the base member is flexed to bend the at least one base member into a configuration to pass through the aligned loops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the base member is changed from rigid to slightly flexible during the insertion process. The rigidity is maintained for structural integrity while controlled flexibility is introduced temporarily during threading, then the base member returns to its rigid state for secure connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If flexible straps are used as connectors, then the connector can be easily manufactured, but the attachment and detachment becomes unreliable and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connector manufacturingVSAvoidreliability of attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two functional segments: the base member (rigid structural element) and the locking assembly (securing mechanism). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the base member for structural integrity and reliable loop engagement, and the locking assembly for secure fastening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly incorporates curved or rounded surfaces that facilitate reliable engagement with the loops. The gripping member features rounded edges that conform to the loop geometry, ensuring consistent and reliable attachment regardless of minor variations in loop alignment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If a rigid base member is used, then the connector can easily pass through aligned loops, but the connector requires sufficient rigidity that may hinder manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of attachmentVSAvoidease of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base member's rigidity is dynamically adjusted during operation - it remains rigid during attachment/detachment for speed, but can be temporarily flexed by hand for positioning and threading. The locking assembly provides mechanical advantage to reduce the force needed for manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that reduces the manipulation effort required. It provides leverage and mechanical advantage, allowing the user to control the rigid base member more easily through the activating member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If conventional flexible straps are used, then the connector structure is simple, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connector structureVSAvoidtime for attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into the base member and locking assembly, where the base member maintains structural simplicity while the locking assembly provides rapid attachment capability. This segmentation adds minimal complexity but dramatically reduces attachment time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly is pre-positioned on the base member in a ready state. The gripping member is preliminarily configured to engage the loops, and the activating member is positioned for immediate operation, eliminating the need for complex manipulation during attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8713764B1Connector structure

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 NAT MOLDING CORP

AI summary

A connector structured to removably attach an object to a support platform including an elongated, rigid material base having a locking assembly disposed thereon and including a retainer and a gripping member. The gripping member is movably connected to the retainer and disposable relative to the base into both a locking orientation and a release orientation, wherein the locking orientation comprises a predetermined portion of the gripping member disposed in gripping, at least partially penetrating relation to an exposed surface of a corresponding part of either the support platform or the supported object. An activating member is connected to the gripping member and movable therewith, wherein positioning force exerted on the activating member will selectively dispose the gripping member between the locking and release orientations.