Bipod Leg Surface Interface for Variable Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipods for firearms lack versatility in surface interface configurations, limiting their ability to effectively stabilize on diverse surfaces, particularly on weak or compressible surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A variably selectable surface interface (VSSI) for bipod legs, featuring a modular anchor, articulating surface interface, and control mechanism with disperse and point force load bearing configurations, allowing for adaptable support on various surfaces by switching between claw-shaped and spike-shaped interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed surface interface configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic surface interface that can change its configuration from a disperse load-bearing mode (claw-shaped) to a point force load-bearing mode (spike-shaped). This allows the bipod to adapt to different surface conditions - using the claw-shaped configuration for stable surfaces and the spike-shaped configuration for weak or compressible surfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The surface interface is divided into separate functional components including a body, articulating surface interface, and control mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the interface to be reconfigured between different load-bearing modes, improving adaptability while maintaining manageable device complexity
2Reliability
If a single load bearing configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the stability on weak or compressible surfaces is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the surface interface by allowing it to articulate between different configurations. The articulating surface interface can change its orientation and load-bearing characteristics based on surface conditions, providing enhanced stability on weak or compressible surfaces through the spike-shaped point force configuration while managing the complexity through a controlled articulation mechanism
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular surface interface is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular surface interface is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. The body, articulating surface interface, and control mechanism work together to provide both disperse and point force load-bearing capabilities, reducing the need for multiple separate modular components and thereby improving adaptability while limiting the increase in device 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 stable and versatile support of firearms on different surfaces, including those that are weak or compressible, through the selective configuration of the bipod legs, enhancing usability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular drive cylinder and the coil spring may bias the articulating surface interface with respect to the body
Implementation Method 2
The control mechanism further may include a locking bar for blocking relative movement between the body and the articulating surface interface
Data Source
AI summary
A variably selectable surface interface (VSSI) for the leg of a small arms bipod is disclosed. The VSSI may include a modular anchor 26. The modular anchor may include a body 40 and a distal support member 24 pivotably connected to the body. The distal support member may include an articulating surface interface (ASI) 42 and a control mechanism 44 for selectively fixing the ASI with respect to the body. The control mechanism may include a disperse load-bearing configuration 120 such that the VSSI is arranged with respect to the body to form a disperse load-bearing support (e.g., a claw-shaped support). Also, the control mechanism may include a point force load bearing configuration 140 such that the VSSI is arranged with the body to form a point force load bearing support (e.g., a spike-shaped support).