Firearm Accessory Attachment System with Sliding Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool-less firearm accessory attachment systems are unreliable, prone to accidental release, lack stability, and do not accommodate thick-walled applications, often requiring two hands to attach or detach, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A firearm accessory attachment system featuring a first and second body with protrusions that move between locked and unlocked configurations, allowing for stable engagement with multiple points on a firearm or handguard without tools, using an actuator to adjust the width and ensure secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-biased mounting system with two feet is used for tool-less attachment, then attachment without tools is enabled, but the system becomes unreliable and prone to accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into a first body and a second body that can move relative to each other, with each body having protrusions that engage with the firearm at different locations. This segmentation allows independent engagement points while maintaining tool-less operation through the relative movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a transverse dimension to the attachment mechanism by allowing the second body to move laterally relative to the first body. This dimensional change enables engagement at multiple points along the longitudinal axis while maintaining simple tool-less operation, resolving the reliability issue without sacrificing ease of attachment.
2Device complexity
If the mounting system contacts the firearm at just two points along the longitudinal axis, then the structure remains simple, but stability is lacking particularly when loaded to the side
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device contacts the firearm at multiple discrete points through protrusions on both the first and second bodies, distributing loads more effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmented design with multiple engagement points improves stability without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If buttons are extended on the ends of the device for release operation, then user access is improved, but the buttons interfere with other devices, accessories, and portions of the firearm
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending buttons outward from the ends of the device, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the release mechanism on the side of the device. This allows user access while preventing interference with other accessories mounted on the firearm.
4Length of moving object
If the device length is limited to fit between user's index finger and thumb, then the device remains compact, but two hands are needed to release and attach which is often not acceptable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows the second body to move in a transverse direction relative to the first body, enabling the release mechanism to be positioned on the side of the device rather than at the end. This dimensional change provides sufficient operational leverage for single-handed use while keeping the device length compact enough to fit between finger and thumb.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm accessory attachment system and method are disclosed. The system has a first body having a longitudinal length, a first protrusion coupled to and extending from the first body in a first direction, and a second protrusion coupled to and extending from the first body in the first direction as the first protrusion, the second protrusion is a first longitudinal distance from the first protrusion. The system also has a second body having a third protrusion coupled thereto, the third protrusion extending in the first direction. The second body is slidable relative to the first body. The system is movable between a locked configuration having a first width and an unlocked configuration having a second width, the second width less than the first width, the first and second widths defined by a direction transverse relative to the longitudinal length.