Vest Closure Adapter for Swappable Side Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vests cannot easily allow users to modify or change closure mechanisms after purchase, limiting customization and potentially affecting donning and doffing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system that enables users to swap between different closure mechanisms on a vest, such as hook-and-loop and buckle assemblies, by incorporating adaptable engagement areas and strap end features, allowing for dual closure types on opposite sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single closure mechanism is installed on the vest at manufacture, then the vest structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot modify or change the closure mechanism after purchase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement area is designed to accommodate multiple types of closure mechanisms through universal interfaces. The front panel includes both hook-and-loop engagement surfaces and Molle slots that can work with various strap end configurations, allowing a single vest to support multiple closure types without requiring separate engagement structures for each mechanism type.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is divided into separate modular components: the engagement area on the front panel, the straps extending from the back panel, and interchangeable strap ends. This segmentation allows users to replace only the strap ends or closure mechanisms without replacing the entire vest, enabling customization while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the same closure mechanism is used on both sides of the vest, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the user cannot optimize for different donning preferences on each side
Solution Approach 1:
Each side of the vest can be configured with different closure mechanisms based on local user needs. The engagement area and strap ends are designed to be interchangeable, allowing one side to use hook-and-loop closures while the other side uses quick-release buckles, with each side optimized for its specific function without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If a non-removable closure mechanism is installed, then the closure mechanism is reliable and secure, but the user cannot swap closure mechanisms to improve donning and doffing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a fixed, static configuration to a dynamic, interchangeable system. Strap ends and closure mechanisms can be removed and replaced based on the user's donning speed needs, while the engagement area maintains reliable connection through consistent interface design. This allows the system to adapt between secure fixed installation and flexible rapid replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A side opening vest includes a front panel and a back panel that are connected by shoulder straps and that are spaced apart from each other defining a left side gap and a right side gap. Straps extend from the back panel across the gaps for connection with the front panel. The front panel has engagement areas for receiving the straps to connect the front and back panels of the garment. The vest includes an adapter system enabling the use of any selected one of a plurality of different closure mechanisms to releasably connect the straps with the front panel.