Cam Locking Structure for M-LOK Rail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The M-LOK rail system requires screws for locking and fixing devices, making the mounting and dismounting process tedious and labor-consuming, especially for applications on free-floating handguards with non-uniform slot spacing, which limits the selection of mounting positions.
Innovation Solution
A cam locking and positioning structure that uses a cam wrench and tightening axle to rotate and press against an M-LOK rail, allowing easy attachment and detachment of devices by inserting a pin and screwing a bolt into a threaded hole, enabling efficient clamping and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used for locking and fixing devices on M-LOK rail, then secure clamping is achieved, but mounting and dismounting become tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking axle can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The cam structure converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, allowing quick transitions between mounting and dismounting states without requiring screw tools, thus resolving the contradiction between secure clamping and quick operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical system with a cam-based leverage system. The cam structure amplifies the applied force through its geometric shape, providing secure clamping with minimal input force and enabling tool-free operation, thereby eliminating the time-consuming screw tightening process while maintaining reliable fixation
2Ease of operation
If cam wrench rotating and pressing mechanism is used, then mounting becomes easy and efficient, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam wrench serves multiple functions: it acts as a lever for applying force, a positioning tool for aligning the locking axle, and a locking mechanism itself when engaged with the cam structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate tools and components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cam wrench is designed to nest within or alongside the main body structure when not in use, and the locking axle integrates with the cam mechanism. This nested arrangement minimizes the space required for additional components and reduces the perceived complexity while preserving the quick-mounting capability
Data Source
AI summary
A cam locking and positioning structure is specifically designed form an M-LOK rail and mainly includes a main body for connection with various different devices, and a cam wrench and a tightening axle combinable with the main body. The main body has a through hole, and positioning portions raised from a top thereof. The cam wrench includes symmetrically arranged lugs, and a wrenching part extending from the lugs. The lugs include fixing holes, and rounded projection portions are formed on tops of the lugs. The tightening axle is of a T-shape having a vertical section having an elongated hole. The tightening axle is insertable into the through hole of the main bod, and a pin is inserted into the fixing holes of the lugs of the cam wrench and the elongated hole of the tightening axle to set the cam wrench in a pullable manner.