Quick Attachment Harness with Toggle Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Impaired individuals face difficulty in attaching and using accessories like spotting scopes, binoculars, and cameras, as they typically require one or two free hands for attachment and use.
Innovation Solution
A quick attachment and release device with a shaft, spring, and toggle mechanism that allows easy attachment to a tri-pod or harness, enabling one-handed operation and secure retention of accessories using a bi-pod and suspender straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional attachment methods are used for accessories like binoculars and cameras, then secure retention is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring one or two free hands for attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle mechanism is pre-positioned on the shaft and the spring is pre-loaded in the base. When the shaft is inserted into the base, the toggle automatically engages with the spring-loaded retention mechanism, eliminating the need for manual threading or screwing operations. This preliminary configuration of components enables instant attachment without requiring the user to perform multiple manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded or bayonet mounting mechanisms are replaced with a toggle-based quick-release system. The toggle acts as a mechanical lever that, when flipped into the locked position, engages the shaft with the base through a simple rotational motion. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the attachment operation from multiple rotational turns to a single toggle flip action.
2Ease of operation
If traditional attachment methods are used for accessories, then secure retention is achieved, but device complexity increases requiring multiple hands for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the shaft with toggle, the base with passage and spring, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the shaft provides the mounting interface, the toggle provides the locking action, and the spring provides the retention force. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system while maintaining secure attachment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex threading and tightening operations are extracted from the attachment process. Instead of requiring users to manually thread and tighten screws or perform multiple rotational movements, the design extracts these complex mechanical operations and replaces them with a simple toggle flip action that engages pre-positioned retention elements.
3Ease of operation
If quick release mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation improves allowing one-handed use, but reliability may worsen due to potential accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded in the opposite direction to the toggle's locking motion. This preliminary anti-action means that when the toggle is flipped into the locked position, the spring immediately engages and applies continuous retention force in the opposite direction, preventing accidental release. The spring's pre-loaded tension acts as a counter-force that secures the toggle in place, requiring deliberate user action to release.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining constant retention force on the toggle. This continuous elastic force acts as a cushion against any external forces that might attempt to dislodge the shaft from the base. The spring absorbs and compensates for vibrations, shocks, or accidental pulls, maintaining secure attachment without requiring additional locking elements.
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
Enables quick and secure attachment and carrying of accessories, allowing impaired users to utilize binoculars, cameras, and telescopes without needing both hands, providing stability and preventing accidental drops.
Implementation Method 1
A spring on a spring end of the shaft, opposite to the toggle end, retains the toggle in the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A quick attachment and release device and base may attach to a tri-pod or be carried on a harness worn by a user and includes a quick release allowing easy attachment of accessories. The device and base includes a shaft which enters a passage in the base and is retained by a toggle at a toggle end of the shaft. The toggle end of the shaft is passed through the passage and the toggle is rotated into a locked position preventing removal of the shaft. A spring on a spring end of the shaft, opposite to the toggle end, retains the toggle in the locked position. The quick release may be used to attach the accessories to the accessory harness which includes a connector supported by a bi-pod carried by suspender straps, and optionally a third leg. The same accessories may be attached to tri-pods using the shoe mount.