Firearm Attachment Mechanism with Cam-Locking Latching Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for firearms and support structures, such as bipods, compromise portability due to increased weight and size, and often require tools for secure attachment and detachment, which can lead to instability over time.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release attachment mechanism featuring a latching subassembly with a pivoting latching arm and cam structures that securely engage the firearm stock without tools, ensuring stability and ease of use by allowing for rapid attachment and detachment of support structures like bipods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are attached to firearms for providing stability during firing, then stability is improved, but portability deteriorates due to increased weight and size
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate components: a mounting member with interface features, a latching subassembly with movable latching arm, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the support structure to be attached only when needed for stability, and removed when portability is prioritized, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching arm is designed as a movable component that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability enables the user to quickly attach the support structure when stability is needed and detach it when portability is prioritized, allowing the system to adapt between the two contradictory requirements.
2Reliability
If traditional attachment mechanisms are used for securing support structures, then reliability is improved through secure attachment, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of tools for attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The latching subassembly is designed to function without external tools. The movable latching arm can be manually actuated by the user to engage and disengage the support structure through the interface features. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for tools while maintaining reliable attachment through the cam-locked engagement of the latching arm with the mounting member.
3Ease of operation
If quick-release mechanisms are implemented for rapid attachment and detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential instability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The latching arm incorporates cam surfaces with curved geometries that provide progressive engagement. As the latching arm moves into the engaged position, the cam surfaces guide the components into precise alignment and create a self-locking effect that maintains stable attachment over time, even though the mechanism allows for quick release when needed.
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 provides improved operability and security by allowing tool-free attachment and detachment of support structures, reducing the likelihood of instability and ensuring the support structure remains securely attached during use.
Implementation Method 1
cam structures that securely engage the firearm stock without tools
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment mechanisms for attaching firearms to support structures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an attachment mechanism for attaching a firearm to a support structure includes an interface member coupled to a latching subassembly. The latching subassembly includes having an attachment portion and a latching arm. The attachment portion is configured to engage a connector fastened to the firearm through the aperture, and the latching arm lockably retains the attachment portion proximate to the interface member.