Adjustable Bipod With Remote Hydraulic Elevation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipods do not allow shooters to adjust the elevation of a firearm while maintaining an aiming position, leading to potential inaccuracies in long-range shooting.
Innovation Solution
A bipod system with a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit that includes a remote actuator and a linear actuator, allowing precise elevation adjustments through a hydraulic hose from a distance, enabling shooters to adjust the firearm's elevation without leaving their aiming position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bipod uses a manual adjustment mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the shooter cannot adjust elevation while maintaining aiming position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote actuator as an intermediary device that allows the shooter to adjust bipod elevation from a distance. The remote actuator is connected to the linear actuator via a hydraulic hose, enabling the shooter to operate the elevation adjustment mechanism without leaving the aiming position or directly touching the bipod.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system to transmit force from the remote actuator to the linear actuator. Hydraulic fluid is pumped through a hose from the remote actuator to the linear actuator, providing efficient force transmission that enables precise elevation adjustments while keeping the shooter at a distance from the bipod.
2Ease of operation
If the shooter leaves the aiming position to adjust elevation, then manual adjustment is possible, but shooting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The remote actuator serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the shooter and the bipod adjustment mechanism. It allows the shooter to remain in the aiming position while still being able to adjust elevation through the hydraulic connection, thus maintaining both accessibility and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with a hydraulic transmission system. Instead of the shooter directly manipulating the bipod's mechanical adjustment components, the shooter operates a remote control that transmits force hydraulically, enabling adjustment without physical contact with the bipod.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic system is added for remote adjustment, then remote control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hydraulic system consisting of a linear actuator with a hydraulic cylinder, a remote actuator with a pump, and a connecting hose. This hydraulic infrastructure enables the remote adjustment capability by allowing hydraulic fluid to be pumped from the remote actuator to the linear actuator for force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical force for elevation adjustment, incorporates the hydraulic cylinder for force transmission, and integrates the column structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and helps manage system complexity.
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
Enables precise and accurate elevation adjustments of a firearm while aiming, improving shooting accuracy at long distances by allowing operators to control the bipod from a short distance using a remote actuator.
Implementation Method 1
The remote actuator adjusts a height of the column by moving hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic hose in response to rotation of a height adjustment knob on the remote actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm support includes a housing, two or more legs, a column, a firearm mount, and a remote actuator. The housing including a first hydraulic cylinder. The two or more legs are pivotally coupled to and extending from the housing. The column resides at least partially within the first hydraulic cylinder. The firearm mount supports a firearm and is attached to a distal end of the column opposite the first hydraulic cylinder. The remote actuator is fluidly coupled to the first hydraulic cylinder through a hydraulic hose. The remote actuator adjusts a height of the column by moving hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic hose in response to rotation of a height adjustment knob on the remote actuator.