Bipod Quick Connect Biasing Mechanism for Rail Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipods for shooting devices face challenges in convenience, stability, and compatibility due to attachment methods that require sling removal, limited positioning, and instability, especially in rough terrain and when following moving targets.
Innovation Solution
A bipod with a quick connect/disconnect feature that couples to standard rails using a biasing mechanism with a dead center position, allowing legs to automatically open or close with minimal force, maintaining interface with the rail in deployed configuration and retaining legs together in collapsed configuration for enhanced stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bipod is attached to a threaded sling receiver, then the bipod can be securely attached to the shooting device, but the sling must be removed and the bipod location is restricted to a single position
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod is designed with a universal quick-connect interface that can attach to multiple types of rails (Picatinny, Weaver, M-LOK, KeyMod) and different shooting device configurations, allowing the same bipod to be used across various platforms and positions without modification
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism allows the bipod to be dynamically repositioned along the rail system during use, enabling the shooter to adjust the bipod location based on terrain and shooting conditions rather than being fixed at a single predetermined position
2Ease of operation
If the bipod is attached to a sling swivel, then the attachment is slightly more convenient, but the same disadvantages of sling removal and limited positioning remain
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect interface is designed to work with multiple rail types and configurations, providing both convenience and adaptability simultaneously rather than sacrificing positioning flexibility for ease of attachment
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cradle bipod is used, then the bipod can be located at various positions along the stock or barrel, but the bipod does not positively connect and can collapse when following moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp features a curved or contoured interface that conforms to the hexagonal cross-section of standard rails, providing positive mechanical engagement through geometric interlocking rather than simple cradle support
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism pre-loads the clamp against the rail to establish firm contact before shooting begins, ensuring the bipod is securely positioned and cannot collapse during use when tracking moving targets
4Adaptability or versatility
If a standard rail attachment is used, then the bipod can be positioned at various locations, but typical bipods are not suited for rail attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod incorporates a standardized quick-connect interface that is specifically designed to be compatible with multiple rail systems (Picatinny, Weaver, M-LOK, KeyMod), making it easy to manufacture and widely compatible rather than requiring custom designs for each rail type
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp geometry and biasing force parameters are optimized to work across different rail cross-sections and tolerances, allowing a single design to function reliably on various standard rails without requiring adjustment or redesign
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 bipod provides convenient and stable support for shooting devices, allowing easy attachment and detachment, improved stability, and adaptability to various positions and devices, enhancing usability in hunting and tactical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A cradle bipod has the advantages of being able to locate the bipod along a variety of positions along the stock or barrel... A bipod suitable for stock attachment will not typically be suited for rail attachment
Implementation Method 2
In a dead center position the biasing mechanism does not advance the legs to either a deployed configuration or a collapsed configuration. The user merely displaces the biasing mechanism slightly off the dead center position and the legs automatically open or close
Implementation Method 3
The biasing mechanism maintains the interface with the rail when in the deployed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A bipod with a quick connect feature that engages with a standard rail. The bipod includes a pair legs pivotally attached at a pivot axis. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the legs that has a dead center position when the legs are in an intermediate configuration between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. By shifting the biasing mechanism to one side or the other, the legs are automatically deployed to either the deployed configuration or the collapsed configuration. The biasing mechanism maintains the interface with the rail when in the deployed configuration and retains the lower portions of the legs adjacent each other in the collapsed configuration.