Conical Latch Mount for Rigid Tool-Free Firearm Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for attaching firearms and other objects to supports like tripods are cumbersome for quick assembly, disassembly, and reorientation, especially when heavy and large, as they often require tools and are not designed for rapid secure coupling and decoupling.
Innovation Solution
A mount comprising a conical object portion and a conical receptacle with a latch mechanism that securely and rigidly attaches and detaches the object from the support structure, allowing for easy alignment and tool-free disassembly using a single button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to couple the object to the support structure, then the coupling strength and rigidity are improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is divided into separate components: a receptacle with conical cavity and latch mechanism integrated into the support structure, and a separate object member with conical protrusion. This segmentation allows the object to be quickly inserted and latched without threading fasteners, while the latch provides secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded fastener system is replaced with a conical interference fit mechanism combined with a latch. The conical surfaces provide self-aligning and self-centering action, while the latch member secures the connection, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and tools.
2Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to secure the object, then the rigid coupling is achieved, but the ease of operation for quick assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical surfaces of the object member and receptacle provide self-aligning and self-centering action during insertion. The latch member automatically engages with the conical protrusion, eliminating the need for manual alignment or tool assistance, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining rigid coupling.
3Ease of operation
If the support structure is designed to be collapsible with telescoping legs, then the portability is improved, but the complexity of assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated into the support structure's receptacle, combining the mounting function with the support structure itself. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process, making it easier to quickly attach and detach objects from the collapsible support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If thumbwheels and other mechanisms are used for coupling, then the adjustability is improved, but the ease of operation for heavy objects deteriorates due to unwieldy manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The complex thumbwheel and adjustment mechanisms are extracted and replaced with a simple latch member that can be easily operated with one hand. The conical interference fit provides the necessary retention force, eliminating the need for cumbersome adjustment mechanisms while maintaining secure coupling of heavy objects.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for coupling an object to a support has an object member that includes an upper surface configured for attachment to a portion of the object, a lower extent including a generally conical object portion depending from the object member; and a notch formed in a portion of the lower extent. A support member includes a lower surface configured for attachment to the support, an upper surface, and a receptacle formed in the upper surface to receive the lower extent of the object member. The receptacle includes a generally conical support portion to receive and mate with the generally conical object portion. A latch member is selectively operable to engage the notch of the object portion to selectively secure together the object and support members.