Twin-Arm Lever Trigger Guard Catch for Handgun Holster Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handgun holsters lack a secure mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal and accidental falling of guns, with existing solutions relying on flaps or spring-loaded catches that may not provide sufficient security or adaptability for different user needs.

Innovation Solution

A handgun holster design featuring a twin-arm lever trigger guard catch with a snap connection security system, including a restraining strap and release lever connected at a control point, which allows for adjustable security levels and easy conversion from right- to left-handed use with minimal additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring-loaded catch is used to block the trigger in the trigger guard space, then the gun is secured against unauthorized removal, but the complexity of the holster mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized removalVSAvoidholster mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holster is divided into functionally independent modules: a trigger guard catch module with twin-arm lever, a security system module with restraining strap and release lever, and a body module with socket. Each module can operate independently, allowing the trigger guard catch to provide basic security while the security system adds optional enhanced protection without requiring the entire mechanism to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The twin-arm lever trigger guard catch serves multiple functions: it blocks the trigger in the secured position, can be manually actuated to release the trigger, and works together with the security system. The socket structure also serves dual purposes as both a mounting feature and a bearing surface for the lever.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If covering flaps or restraining straps are used to secure the gun, then the gun is protected from falling out, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from falling outVSAvoidease of gun removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger guard catch is designed to be actuated by the user's own trigger finger or thumb, using the natural motion already required for firing the weapon. The control part of the lever is positioned and shaped to be easily manipulated during the normal drawing motion, making the security feature serve itself through the user's existing actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the holster is designed for right-handed use, then the trigger guard catch operates efficiently, but adaptability to left-handed use requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger guard catch operationVSAvoidconversion to left-handed use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The twin-arm lever is designed with asymmetric control part positioning optimized for right-handed operation, while the socket and bearing surfaces are arranged to accommodate the lever's motion. The symmetry of the lever arms themselves allows the mechanism to function in reverse for left-handed users with minimal adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The holster design allows the entire trigger guard catch assembly to be inverted or mirrored for left-handed use. The socket and reinforcement structure are positioned to accommodate the reversed lever orientation, enabling the same basic components to serve both right and left-handed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If the socket and bearing surfaces are precisely engineered, then the trigger guard catch operates reliably, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger guard catch operationVSAvoidsocket and bearing surface precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The socket and bearing surfaces are designed with localized features that concentrate functional requirements to specific areas. The reinforcement structure in the side wall provides localized strength and precision where needed for lever support, while other areas of the holster can be manufactured with standard tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 holster provides enhanced security against unauthorized removal and accidental falling, with adjustable safety features and ease of conversion, meeting user needs for adaptability and logistical simplicity in armed units.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded catch which blocks the trigger in the trigger guard space of the gun

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the trigger guard catch of the gun is depressed by a spring into the interior through cavity of the holster where, in this position, it rests on the first bearing surface of the socket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

a spring on a pin which forms the fulcrum of the lever of the trigger guard catch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFulcrum: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP1975542B8Handgun holster
Publication Date: 2011.10.19 BENES MIROSLAV

AI summary

A handgun holster comprising a shaped holster body (1) with through cavity for inserting and withdrawing the gun, which is furnished with a belt loop (16) for attaching the holster to the belt, with a trigger guard (7) and with a security system against removal of the gun from the holster consisting of a restraining strap (6) to go around the gun and a release lever (5) for that strap (6), mutually connected at a control point by a snap connection. In order to house the trigger guard (7) consisting of a twin-arm lever, there is an identical, facingly arranged socket (20) in each of the two side walls (2) of the holster body (1), having in its lower part a through opening for housing the operational part (11) of the lever for securing the gun trigger so that, in the secured operating position, the trigger guard (7) of the gun is depressed by a spring (9) into the interior through cavity of the holster where, in this position, it rests on the first bearing surface (13) of the socket (20) and, in the released operating position under the pressure of the spring (9), in which the operational part (11) of the lever fits against the ' surface of the through cavity of the holster, it rests on the second bearing surface (14) of the socket (20), and where the upper control part (10) of the lever of the trigger guard (7) protrudes from the socket (20) outside the side wall (2) of the holster body (1) in the direction of the holster belt loop (16) in a position under the control point of the security system against removal of the gun from the holster. The side walls (2) of the body (1) of the holster are specularly arranged and are furnished with covers (3, 4) attached thereto, to individually attach the security system against removal of the gun from the holster to the side walls (2) of the body (1) of the holster and to hide the operational part (11) of the lever of the trigger guard (7).