Adjustable Firearm Accessory Indexing Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm accessories face challenges in secure mounting and adjustability due to recoil, requiring multiple adjuster plates and tools, which is inconvenient and limited in precision adjustment within standard rail pitch increments.
Innovation Solution
A firearm accessory design that allows for tool-free adjustment within the rail pitch using a cross-slot bolt and adjustment plate with index locations, enabling precise positioning without the need for multiple plates, utilizing a clamping force to secure the accessory to the rail during recoil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjuster plates are provided to enable adjustment within rail pitch, then adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment plate is segmented into multiple positions along its length, each position corresponding to a different adjustment location within the rail slot. This allows the accessory to be positioned at multiple locations using a single plate rather than requiring multiple separate plates for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment plate is designed to be movable relative to the accessory body, allowing the user to slide it to different positions along the rail slot. This dynamic adjustment capability replaces the need for multiple static adjustment plates.
2Manufacturing precision
If tools are required to secure adjustment plates, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment plate incorporates a self-retaining mechanism with protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the accessory body. This allows the plate to be secured and adjusted without requiring external tools, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment plate acts as an intermediary component between the accessory body and the rail, providing both adjustment capability and secure mounting. Its design with engagement protrusions allows it to mediate between the need for precision mounting and ease of adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If friction holds are used to mount accessories, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under recoil
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment plate incorporates curved engagement surfaces and rounded protrusions that provide both smooth adjustment motion and secure mechanical engagement. The curved geometry allows for easy sliding adjustment while the interlocking shapes maintain reliable attachment under recoil forces.
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 secure and precise adjustment of firearm accessories without tools, maintaining attachment during recoil, and allowing for fine-tuned positioning within the rail slot increments, enhancing user convenience and accessory stability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a clamping force to secure the accessory to the rail during recoil
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm accessory mounted to a firearm accessory rail and allowing adjustment of the accessory relative to the firearm accessory rail includes an indexing member having a tab structured to engage with one of the series of slots of the firearm accessory rail, and having two or more indexing slots, the two or more indexing slots spaced apart from one another at a distance less than the regular pitch interval of the accessory rail, and a single clamp having a crossmember structured to engage with one of the two or more indexing slots, the single clamp structured to simultaneously secure the accessory and the indexing member to the firearm accessory rail in a single clamping action.