Compressible Cam Lever Clamp for Self-Adjusting Rail Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dovetail rail systems require bolts/screws through the jaws, preventing secure mounting of NATO Accessory rails and allowing loose fits, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system with a cam lever and scroll gear assembly that self-adjusts to different-sized rails, using a compressible lever to provide a spring force for snug fitting without bolts, and includes reversible lugs for various rail types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bolt/screw runs through the jaws to hold the rail, then the mounting platform can be attached to the rail, but it prevents secure mounting of NATO Accessory rails which must rest flat against the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple independent jaws (first jaw, second jaw, third jaw, fourth jaw) that can move independently within their respective slots. This segmentation allows each jaw to adapt to different rail geometries while maintaining overall clamp stability, enabling secure mounting of both Picatinny/ARCA rails and flat NATO Accessory rails without compromising either versatility or reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The jaws are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions to accommodate different rail types and sizes. The cam lever mechanism provides dynamic control over jaw positioning, enabling the clamp to transition between holding Picatinny rails (with protruding lugs) and NATO Accessory rails (requiring flat contact surface)
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring washers are added to the bolt/screw to enable holding different-sized rails, then adaptability improves, but the fit becomes loose causing wobble and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs self-adjusting jaws that automatically position themselves to fit different rail sizes without requiring external adjustment mechanisms like spring washers. The cam lever mechanism enables the jaws to self-adjust within their slots, providing both adaptability to different rail dimensions and secure, wobble-free holding through precise mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw positions are made variable through the cam lever mechanism, allowing continuous adjustment of the clamping parameters to match different rail sizes. This parameter variability enables secure fitting across different rail dimensions while maintaining stability, eliminating the need for compromise solutions like spring washers that create loose fits
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of jaws are used for different rail sizes, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp uses a single set of four jaws that can universally accommodate multiple rail types (Picatinny, ARCA SWISSR, NATO Accessory) through their ability to move independently within slots. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate jaw sets for different rail sizes, reducing device complexity while maintaining high versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more jaw sets in the same dimensional space, the solution adds a dimensional degree of freedom by allowing jaws to move within slots. This transforms the system from fixed-position jaws to multi-position jaws, enabling one set of jaws to perform the function of multiple specialized jaw sets
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 system securely holds multiple rail sizes, including ARCA SWISSR and NATO Accessory rails, with self-adjustment and minimal wobble, enhancing stability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the lever may be compressible thereby providing a spring force that can enable the jaws of the clamp to self-adjust to different-sized rails while still holding the different-sized rails snugly. For example, when the lever is compressed and then released, elastic force may return the compressible cam lever back to its original position creating a spring force that pushes outward from the compressible cam lever.
Implementation Method 2
A clamp system with a cam lever and scroll gear assembly that self-adjusts to different-sized rails
Implementation Method 3
when the lever is turned, the slidable lever rack may drive the scroll gear which drives the first and second jaw racks to slide in opposite directions thereby causing the first and second jaw plates to move toward and/or away from each other
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a compressible cam lever that has a section that can be compressed by external force. When the external force is released, elastic force within the cam lever causes the section to return back to its original position creating a spring force. The compressible cam lever may be used as part of a handle for opening and closing a clamp that is part of a tripod or other piece of equipment which can hold rails for firearms, sights, scopes, parts, and the like, therein. The compressible cam lever may include a handle, a round-shaped section comprising a flexible curved surface that curves back towards the handle and protrudes outward, and an opening disposed between an end of the flexible curved surface and the handle.