TAC-Jaw
Armored Airsoft Mandible
Embedded Files
About Airsoft
Airsoft is an intense team-based sport that simulates military combat using replica firearms and plastic BBs. At a competitive level, the sport heavily relies on stealth, strategic movement and communication amongst teammates which gives the activity an icredibly high skill ceiling.
Design Opportunity
Protection, breathability and mobility are very important in airsoft for the sake of staying safe, communicating with your teammates (to win) and being comfortable while enjoying the sport.
The design opportunity I’ve identified in this field is a lack of airsoft neck protection on the market that provides protection, ample breathability and neck mobility despite the importance of these attributes to the sport.
Iteration
Inspired by a hockey goalie's throat protector, I designed a unique piece of neck gear that features facemask with a hanging plate of armor which provides protection of and maintains mobility of the neck.
Prototyping
I developed the shape of the jaw armor using foam core, hot glue, nylon straps and plastic clips. I modified a pre-existing airsoft facemask by adding eye protection and a method of attachment for the hanging jaw armor. I developed and modified the shape of the jaw as needed considering coverage, comfort and the ease of neck movement; especially looking down.
The jaw attaches to the user by the mandible slots in the built-in attachment rails on their helmet. These attachment points are a universal standard so it will function with any airsoft helmet featuring the attachment points.
Final Materials
Once the pattern for the mask/jaw were finalized, I decided to make the final model out of steel mesh for structure and breathability, spacer mesh on the interior for comfort and a quality cordura for the exterior; a tear-proof material commonly used in airsoft wearables. The softgoods also suppresses any sounds of the armor chattering due to movement.
I ended up cutting out some of the spacer mesh and replaced the areas with dense compression foam; this allows the jaw to flex out of the way of the user's chest while aiming their airsoft weapon. I've never touched a sewing machine before this project so I'm especially happy with how the softgoods came out in the end.
Final Product
TAC-Jaw
TAC-Jaw
Armored Airsoft Mandible
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