Equipment Holder Slide-and-Stop Retention for Rapid Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment holders for incapacitant sprays and similar items, such as those worn by police officers, often require a retaining strap that delays quick access due to the need to be opened before use, compromising security and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A carrier component and dock component system with a slide member and slide channel connection, utilizing a resilient biasing element and stop mechanism for quick and secure engagement and disengagement, eliminating the need for a retaining strap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining strap is used to secure the equipment holder, then security is improved, but access time is increased due to the need to open the strap before use
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap is divided into a modular system with a retention member on the carrier component and a corresponding engagement feature on the dock component. This segmentation allows the security function to be distributed across multiple simple mechanical features rather than requiring a single complex strap mechanism, enabling rapid engagement and disengagement through simple sliding motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex strap fastening mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified slide member and stop system. The essential security function is retained through the stop that prevents accidental disengagement, while the time-consuming strap opening action is eliminated by using a direct slide-based release mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple holder design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but security is reduced due to lack of retention mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The holder design incorporates a dynamic retention system where the slide member can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The stop provides passive security when engaged, while allowing controlled release when force is applied to the slide member. This dynamic design maintains simplicity while adding security functionality through motion-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is designed to be self-securing through the stop that automatically engages with the slide member when the carrier is placed in the dock. No additional fastening actions are required - the system self-establishes the secure connection through its mechanical geometry, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing reliable retention.
3Reliability
If a retaining strap is used to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but operational speed is reduced due to additional manipulation required
Solution Approach 1:
The manual strap fastening system is replaced with a mechanical slide-and-stop mechanism. Security is maintained through the stop that physically blocks withdrawal, while operational speed is improved by eliminating the need for manual strap manipulation. The slide member provides a direct mechanical interface that can be operated with a simple pushing and sliding motion, significantly faster than strap fastening.
4Reliability
If a complex retention mechanism is used, then security is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the slide member for movement, the stop for security, and the slide channel for guidance. Each element performs a single, well-defined function, reducing overall complexity compared to integrated complex mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing reliable equipment retention.
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
Facilitates rapid and reliable access to equipment without additional straps, enhancing security and usability by allowing one-handed, single-motion release, and integrating a sensor for automatic camera activation upon undocking.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient biasing element may bias the carrier component away from the dock component such that the slide member is engaged by the stop.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment holder system includes a carrier component and a dock component. The carrier component is configured to hold equipment. One of the carrier component and the dock component includes a slide member and the other of the carrier component and the dock component includes a slide channel configured to receive the slide member in order to releasably connect the carrier component to the dock component. The slide channel includes a stop which is configured to engage the slide member when received in the slide channel to prevent withdrawal. The slide member is released from the stop by pushing the carrier component towards the dock component and then sliding the carrier component relative to the dock component.