Solid Ballistic Holster Seams Bullet Penetration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm holsters with ballistic materials are inadequate in preventing unintentional discharges, as they often have seams that compromise ballistic properties and are not constructed as seamless, solid units, leading to potential penetration and wear issues, which can result in injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A firearm holster made from solid ballistic materials like ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or aramid fibers, constructed without breaks or gaps, with a folded plate design and support wraps to form a seamless cavity that captures and deflects bullets, ensuring comprehensive protection and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soft ballistic material is used in the holster, then ballistic protection is provided, but the material has seams that compromise ballistic properties and allows bullet penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ballistic material layers into a single integrated solid ballistic structure. The holster is constructed as one piece of solid ballistic material rather than assembling soft ballistic material with seams, eliminating the harmful seams while maintaining comprehensive ballistic protection throughout the entire holster structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by integrating ballistic material with structural components like the folded plate design and support wraps. This creates a unified solid ballistic structure that combines the protective properties of ballistic material with the structural integrity of molded components, eliminating seams while maintaining protection.
2Reliability
If soft ballistic material is used, then ballistic protection is provided, but the material is bulky and impractical for serious use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the ballistic material by transitioning from soft, flexible ballistic material to solid, molded ballistic material. This parameter change eliminates bulk and improves form factor while maintaining ballistic protection, making the holster practical for serious use during quick draws and re-holstering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the holster into functional components including a folded plate design and support wraps that are integrated into the solid ballistic material. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function while maintaining an streamlined, non-bulky overall structure that is practical for active use.
3Ease of manufacture
If ballistic material is limited to the bottom of the holster, then manufacturing is simplified, but the discharged bullet will only be stopped if the firearm is pointed directly at the insert
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ballistic material placement throughout the entire holster structure rather than concentrating it only at the bottom. The solid ballistic material is integrated into all walls and surfaces of the holster, ensuring comprehensive bullet stop effectiveness regardless of the angle or position of an unintentional discharge.
4Reliability
If solid ballistic material is used to eliminate seams, then ballistic properties are improved, but the holster may be more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into modular components including a folded plate design and support wraps that can be produced separately and then integrated into the solid ballistic material. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard manufacturing techniques to be used for each component while achieving the seamless integrated structure.
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 solid ballistic holster effectively captures and deflects bullets during unintentional discharges, providing enhanced safety and durability while being lightweight and comfortable for carrying, thus minimizing the risk of injury or damage.
Implementation Method 1
a solid ballistic holster that retains or deflects bullets when a firearm is discharged into the holster
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm holster includes a plate that is folded to form a cavity. The cavity is defined by a first sidewall, a trigger sidewall adjacent to the first sidewall, a second sidewall adjacent to the trigger sidewall, a barrel sidewall adjacent to both the first and second sidewalls, and a muzzle end wall. The muzzle end wall is adjacent to the first sidewall, the trigger sidewall, the second sidewall and the barrel sidewall. The firearm holster also includes a support wrap that at least partially surrounds the cavity and is fused to one or more of the first sidewall, the barrel sidewall, and the second sidewall.