Crosslock Assembly Reducing Accessory Parts in Weapon Sights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding sight and crosslock assemblies for weapons systems, such as the AR M4/M16, are overly complex due to the large number of accessory parts, making them impractical and difficult to manage, especially in the elevation adjustment sight and crosslock unit.
Innovation Solution
A folding sight and crosslock unit with a specially designed engagement spring that reduces the number of accessory parts by performing multiple functions, and a crosslock assembly using a tombstone-shaped profile to minimize material removal and increase strength, allowing for a more streamlined and cost-effective assembly with fewer machined aluminum parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional accessory parts (ball and spring, press fit pin and retaining ring, threaded fastener) are used to assemble folding sight components, then the assembly is secure and reliable, but the total number of accessory parts exceeds about 9 parts, making the assembly complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple accessory parts into a single integrated crosslock assembly. The crosslock assembly includes a crosslock body, crosslock spring, crosslock detent, and crosslock detent spring all integrated into one unit that attaches to the sight housing as a single component, eliminating the need for separate ball-and-spring assemblies, retaining rings, and threaded fasteners while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslock assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the folding sight to the weapon, provides the folding mechanism, includes the elevation adjustment mechanism, and incorporates the windage adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall part count while maintaining all necessary sight functions
2Reliability
If numerous accessory parts are used in crosslock assemblies to lock the housing in vertical position and secure folded position, then the locking reliability is improved, but the assembly becomes overly complex and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism, folding mechanism, and adjustment mechanisms are merged into a single crosslock assembly that attaches to the sight housing. The crosslock body engages with the housing to provide locking in both vertical and folded positions, while integrated springs and detents provide the necessary mechanical action without requiring separate locking components
3Adaptability or versatility
If about 7 to 9 moving parts are used in elevation adjustment sight assembly, then the elevation adjustment function is achieved, but the assembly is not manageable and impractical due to the complexity of packaging so many parts
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation adjustment mechanism is integrated into the crosslock assembly rather than being a separate unit. The elevation adjustment knob, elevation adjustment gear, and associated springs are all contained within the crosslock assembly, reducing the number of separate moving parts and simplifying packaging and assembly
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces the number of parts needed, and increases the strength of the assemblies, enabling the creation of a more efficient and cost-effective folding sight and crosslock unit that can be manufactured using polymer or injection molding instead of machined aluminum.
Implementation Method 1
an engagement spring which assists in reducing the number of accessory parts necessary for engagement of the aperture to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a novel lift spring which operates in association with a specially designed lift dial and windage carrier to reduce the number of accessory parts needed to assemble the elevation adjustment sight and crosslock assembly. The lift spring is configured to lock the lift dial to the windage carrier and to create vertical tension for maintaining elevation adjustment sight
Data Source
AI summary
A crosslock assembly comprising a base having a chamber formed therethrough, wherein the chamber is surrounded by a distal wall. The distal wall comprises an interior wall oppositely formed with an exterior wall, wherein an opening is formed between the interior and exterior walls. The assembly further comprises a crosslock having a shaft upon which a support member is disposed, and a housing having a channel formed therethrough. When assembled, the housing is disposed within the chamber of the base, and the shaft of the crosslock is disposed through the opening of the exterior and interior walls of the distal wall of the base such that the support member is disposed within the channel of the housing.