Completed prototypeENME 101 · Team mini-project

Quick-Release Bear Spray Holder

ENME 101 team mini-project designing a shoulder-strap mount that lets hikers deploy bear spray in seconds. Existing holders rely on slow zippers or swinging carabiners — we built a dovetail quick-release mechanism modelled in SolidWorks and validated with a PLA prototype.

Team project with Tyson, Daniel, and Bennett.

CAD

Two-part SolidWorks assembly — a universal mounting base and a curved canister cradle joined by a dovetail slide.

SolidWorks render of full assembly, front view

SolidWorks render of assembly, isometric view

CAD render of mounting base with strap slots and dovetail channel

CAD render of canister holder with dovetail rail and weight-reduction cutouts

Cross-section CAD showing dovetail joint between mounting base and canister holder

Real-Life Prototype

PLA prototype printed and field-tested on a backpack shoulder strap.

Wearing prototype on backpack with canister at chest height for fast access

Hands demonstrating dovetail rail, magnet seating, and Velcro strap attachment

Demonstrating one-motion upward release of canister from dovetail mount

Side view of prototype mounted on backpack shoulder strap outdoors

Front view of prototype mounted on backpack shoulder strap

Close-up of Velcro straps and holder on shoulder strap

Close-up of the canister seated in the mount

Future applications

IN PROGRESS

Stronger magnets and higher-performance materials for production builds
Medical field: inhalers, EpiPens, and other emergency devices that must be reached instantly
Other deterrents such as pepper spray, or amenities like water bottles
Emergency responders who need quick, reliable tool access on the move

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