Unified Bipod Cant-Pivot Assembly With Single-Knob Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm bipods lack the ability to simultaneously cant and pivot without separate controls for each degree of freedom, often resulting in bulkiness and increased weight, and do not offer a simple means to adjust tension for these features.
Innovation Solution
A bipod design featuring a housing with a pivot rod, locking knob, and pivot block, allowing for integrated cant and pivot functions with adjustable tension, where the locking knob controls the pivot block to enable or lock the detents, enabling seamless transition between deployed and stowed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate controls are used for cant and pivot functions, then each degree of freedom can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases and the bipod becomes bulky and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cant and pivot controls into a single locking knob mechanism. The locking knob simultaneously controls the pivot block position and the detent engagement, allowing both cant and pivot functions to be operated through one control rather than separate controls, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining independent control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking knob serves multiple functions: it controls the pivot block to enable/disable detents, it locks the cant position, and it facilitates the transition between deployed and stowed positions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate controls needed while maintaining full operational capability
2Ease of operation
If separate controls are used for cant and pivot functions, then each degree of freedom can be controlled independently, but the bipod becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cant and pivot control mechanisms into a single integrated locking knob and pivot block assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate control structures, thereby reducing the overall volume of the bipod while preserving the ability to independently control both degrees of freedom
3Ease of operation
If separate controls are used for cant and pivot functions, then each degree of freedom can be controlled independently, but the bipod weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single locking knob mechanism that controls both cant and pivot operations. This merging of functions reduces the total amount of metal and structural components required, thereby reducing bipod weight while maintaining independent control capability for both degrees of freedom
4Device complexity
If a simple tension adjustment means is provided, then the bipod structure remains compact and lightweight, but existing designs lack this feature
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means (spring) automatically provides tension to the pivot block, enabling the detents to engage with the housing apertures without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates the tension through the spring's inherent mechanical properties, keeping the structure compact while providing operational ease
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for a bipod having pivot and cant functionality built into a unified cant/pivot assembly, housing, and pivot block. Rotation of a locking knob under the housing can gradually increase or decrease friction of the cant and pivoting degrees of freedom. Sufficient loosening of the locking knob can allow a pivot block to be lifted from the housing and rotated 180°, and then retightened to lock in a given pivot position. Before this 180 rotation of the pivot block, the pivot block and hence the firearm is free to pivot up to 10°, or up to 20°, or up to 30°.