Accessory Mount Clamp Mechanism With Visual Clamping Force Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release mounting systems for firearm accessories are expensive and prone to wear and tear, lacking a simple and efficient mechanism to visualize and consistently apply clamping force, especially in field conditions where components may be lost or misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A clamp actuated accessory mounting system with a clamp base structure featuring a hardened bushing, tapered clamping surfaces, and a keeper mechanism to prevent separation, along with indicia for visualizing clamping force, utilizing lightweight materials like aluminum alloy or stainless steel for durability and resistance to environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing quick-release mounting systems are used, then assembly and disassembly of accessories is quick and efficient, but the systems are expensive to manufacture and purchase and prone to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple clamp mechanism with a clamp member, clamp bolt, and keeper member that can be manufactured at low cost. The design uses basic mechanical components rather than complex quick-release systems, making it economically viable while maintaining functionality. The keeper member acts as a simple retention element that prevents loss without requiring expensive specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a clamp base structure, a clamp member with tapered clamping surface, a clamp bolt for actuation, and a keeper member for retention. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes and enables easy replacement of individual parts if wear occurs.
2Productivity
If existing quick-release mounting systems are used, then assembly and disassembly is quick, but the systems are subject to significant wear and tear during use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member features a tapered clamping surface that changes the geometric parameter of the contact interface. This tapered geometry distributes contact forces more effectively and reduces stress concentration compared to flat surfaces, thereby reducing wear. The progressive engagement of the tapered surface during clamping also reduces impact forces and mechanical shock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using hardened bushing members and stainless steel inserts in critical wear areas. These hardened materials provide superior wear resistance compared to standard metals, extending the service life of the clamp mechanism while maintaining the overall simplicity and low cost of the design.
3Device complexity
If no visual indication system is provided, then the clamp mechanism is simpler, but the user cannot visualize or apply consistent clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates indicia markings (visual indicators) on the clamp member that change position or become visible as the clamp is tightened. These markings provide immediate visual feedback to the user about the clamping force applied, enabling consistent replication of the same clamping force across multiple assemblies without requiring complex measurement devices.
4Ease of operation
If the clamp bolt is completely unthreaded for disassembly, then the accessory can be removed, but components may become separated and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The keeper member serves as an intermediary retention element that remains engaged with the mounting rail even when the clamp bolt is completely unthreaded. This keeper member physically blocks the clamp components from falling off the rail, allowing complete disassembly of the accessory while preventing loss of the clamp mechanism components themselves.
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 system provides a cost-effective, durable, and user-friendly method to securely mount and dismount accessories on firearms, ensuring consistent clamping force and preventing component loss, even in poor light conditions, while maintaining the pre-set zero alignment of sighting devices.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered clamping surface of the clamp member for clamping engagement with a tapered mounting rail surface
Implementation Method 2
The clamp member defines an elongate clamping section having a tapered clamping surface that is disposed for force transmitting engagement with an undercut clamping surface of the rail member
Implementation Method 3
A hardened bushing member is seated within the clamp actuator receptacle
Implementation Method 4
A tapered centering portion of a clamp member is received within the bushing member opening
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting base mechanism for releasably securing an accessory device to a mechanical structure having opposed oppositely angulated clamp surfaces. The mounting base mechanism defines a first clamp surface having clamping engagement with one of the angulated clamp surfaces. A clamp support structure projects laterally from the mounting base mechanism and provides support for a clamp actuating mechanism having a clamping plate. A retainer device supported by the clamp support structure is operative to move the clamping plate substantially linearly for clamping engagement of the clamp plate with the other of the oppositely angulated clamp surfaces. A keeper member prevents inadvertent separation of the retainer and clamping plate from the clamp support structure.