Rotary Camlock Mechanism for Rapid Firearm Grip Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm grip systems are cumbersome to exchange, often requiring threaded fasteners that can be lost, making it difficult and inconvenient to change grips in the field.
Innovation Solution
A user-replaceable firearm grip mounting system utilizing a rotatable camlock mechanism that locks and unlocks the grip from the frame, allowing for quick and easy grip exchanges without the risk of losing parts, and is adaptable to various firearms and non-firearm applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded fasteners are used to attach the grip, then the grip can be securely attached, but the grip exchange becomes cumbersome and parts can be easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The grip attachment system is segmented into modular components: a grip body, a grip frame, and a camlock mechanism with distinct locking and unlocking phases. This segmentation allows the grip to be securely attached when needed while enabling rapid release when required, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners that can be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The camlock mechanism introduces dynamic functionality to the grip attachment system. The cam can be rotated to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing a reliable secure attachment during operation while allowing quick exchange when needed. This dynamic mechanism eliminates static threaded fasteners that are prone to being lost.
2Strength
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then the grip remains firmly attached during firing, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex threaded fastener system is extracted and replaced with a simplified camlock mechanism. The camlock uses a single rotating cam with a blocking surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the grip frame, providing secure attachment without the complexity of multiple threaded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism changes from a threaded rotational engagement to a cam-based leveraged engagement. By changing the parameter of the locking action from screw threading to cam surface engagement, the mechanism achieves equivalent or superior security with reduced complexity.
3Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used, then the grip can be attached, but the attachment and removal process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The camlock mechanism uses periodic action through rotational movement of the cam. A single rotational motion of the cam performs both the locking and unlocking functions, enabling rapid grip exchange. This periodic rotational action is much faster than the sequential threading and unthreading of multiple fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The camlock mechanism is pre-positioned in the grip frame, and the grip is designed with preliminary alignment features that guide it into the correct position during attachment. This preliminary positioning reduces the time and complexity of the attachment process while maintaining secure locking.
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 rapid and secure grip changes, minimizing the risk of lost components and accommodating different user preferences, such as size, texture, and material, while maintaining the grip frame's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The locking cam further includes an inclined cam track configured to engage the grip frame for converting rotational movement of the locking cam into linear movement with respect to the receptacle
Data Source
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Figure 5~7A
AI summary
A firearm with replaceable grip in one embodiment includes a grip frame, a grip, and a rotary camlock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the grip from the grip frame. The camlock mechanism may be rotated between locked and unlocked positions preventing or enabling removal of the grip from the grip frame. In one embodiment, the camlock mechanism includes a movable blocking surface engageable with the grip to block its removal. The camlock mechanism in one configuration may comprise a rotatable locking cam that defines the blocking surface. A carntraek may be provided to convert rotary motion of the cam into linear displacement relative to the grip frame for selectively projecting or retracting the blocking surface relative to the frame.