Dual-Post Quick Release Mounting With Anti-Rotation Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release mechanisms lack a secure and reliable connection, especially when attaching components to modular firearms, and do not effectively prevent rotation between connected parts.
Innovation Solution
A dual-post quick connect mounting system with retractable ball bearings and an actuator that locks and unlocks the ball bearings, featuring an anti-rotation mechanism and adaptable for use with modular firearms, utilizing a male and female plate assembly with sockets and channels for secure engagement and an actuation mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is designed to allow easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearings are designed to be dynamically retractable within the posts, transitioning between extended locked positions and retracted unlocked positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the connection state to change quickly through actuation while maintaining secure locked engagement during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between easy operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ball bearings serve as intermediary elements between the male and female plate assemblies. When extended, they mediate the locking connection by engaging with the channels in the female assembly. The actuator controls the retraction of these intermediaries to enable quick release, while their extended state provides reliable connection
2Device complexity
If a quick release mechanism uses simple locking components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to prevent rotation between components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation collar introduces asymmetric geometry to the otherwise symmetric dual-post mounting system. The collar fits over one of the posts with a specific orientation, preventing rotational movement between the male and female assemblies while maintaining the overall simplicity of the locking mechanism through the use of basic geometric forms
3Reliability
If the ball bearings are biased to the locked position, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation for unlocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism creates a dynamic equilibrium where the ball bearings naturally settle in the locked position for reliable connection, but can be easily transitioned to the unlocked position through actuator engagement. The ramps on the actuator provide a mechanical advantage that reduces the effort needed to overcome the biasing force during unlocking
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing springs pre-position the ball bearings in the locked state, preparing the mechanism for immediate secure engagement. The actuator is designed with ramps that preliminary guide the ball bearings through a controlled path during unlocking, reducing the force required compared to direct spring compression
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 provides a secure, quick, and reliable connection that prevents separation and rotation between components, enhancing the attachment of firearms and other objects to various substrates, including modular firearms, with improved mounting capabilities on additive manufactured devices.
Implementation Method 1
The ball bearings can be configured to be biased to the locked position when the actuator is released or alternatively to be biased to the unlocked position when the actuator is released
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release mounting system that utilizes two opposing plate assemblies configured for attachment. The two opposing plate assemblies are configured for attachment by a pair of spaced apart posts positioned in a male plate assembly connecting to a female plate assembly. The pair of spaced apart posts has an actuator mechanism positioned within the posts, and a series of ball bearing around a circumference of the posts. In a preferred embodiment the actuation mechanism is configured to bias the ball bearing out from the circumference of each of the posts, with the actuation mechanism configured to release the outer bias on the ball bearings. Alternatively, the actuation mechanism can be configured such that the actuation mechanism biases the ball bearings out when the mechanism is actuated by a user. The actuation mechanism can utilize a mechanical actuator, such as a rotary or linear actuator, or an electro-mechanical actuator, which utilizes a mechanical actuator that is actuated by an electrical device, such as a solenoid.