Firearm Accessory Mount With Arc-Shaped Barrel Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm mounting rail systems, like those on the M4 carbine, do not allow for quick barrel changes while maximizing mountable surfaces for accessories, and on firearms like the M240, barrels overheat due to repetitive firing, necessitating efficient barrel replacement without compromising accessory mounting options.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight firearm accessory mount with a rail system that includes a left tactical rail, right tactical rail, gas-cylinder clamp, and an elongated fixture with a transversal arc-shaped cross section, allowing for barrel interchangeability and heat dissipation through ventilation holes, while maintaining mountable surfaces for accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting rail system completely envelops the barrel (like M4 carbine), then accessory mounting options are maximized, but barrel replacement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail system is segmented into modular components: side rails that attach to the firearm body, and a top rail assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the top rail to be removed or repositioned quickly for barrel changes, while side rails remain to support accessories, thus resolving the contradiction between complete envelopment for mounting and open access for quick replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static, fixed rail configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The top rail assembly can be quickly detached or repositioned during operation to facilitate barrel changes, then reattached to restore full accessory mounting capability. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between maximizing mounting surfaces and enabling quick barrel replacement.
2Loss of time
If mounting rails are placed along sides and beneath barrel (like M240), then barrel replacement speed is improved, but accessory mounting options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the mounting system by incorporating a top rail assembly that extends above the barrel. This creates additional mounting surfaces in the vertical space that was previously unused, allowing accessories to be mounted above the barrel while maintaining the open side access needed for quick barrel replacement. The side rails provide lateral mounting options, creating a multi-dimensional mounting solution.
3Power
If barrel is subjected to repetitive firing, then firepower is improved, but barrel temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates ventilation channels and porous structures that allow air flow through and around the barrel. These pathways facilitate convective cooling by drawing heat away from the barrel surface, enabling sustained high-rate firing without excessive temperature buildup. The porous/ventilated structure maintains mechanical strength while providing thermal management.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a heavy mounting rail system is used to maximize mounting surfaces, then accessory mounting capability is improved, but mount weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses universal attachment mechanisms and standardized rail interfaces that provide multiple functions: securing accessories, providing structural support, and enabling quick reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heavy components, achieving comprehensive mounting capability with reduced overall weight through efficient design.
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
Enables quick and efficient barrel changes while maximizing accessory mounting options and preventing overheating by providing a lightweight, ventilated mount that secures accessories on the sides and above the barrel, ensuring effective heat dissipation and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated fixture (8) with a transversal arc-shaped cross section... providing a lightweight, ventilated mount that secures accessories on the sides and above the barrel, ensuring effective heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm accessory mount is an apparatus that maximizes the mounting surfaces on a firearm while allowing the interchangeability of a barrel onto and off of the firearm. The apparatus includes a left tactical rail, a right tactical rail, a gas-cylinder clamp, an upper tactical rail, and an elongated fixture with a transversal arc-shaped cross section. The left tactical rail, the right tactical rail, and the upper tactical rail allows for a variety of firearm accessories to mount onto the apparatus. The gas-cylinder clamp attaches the apparatus onto the gas cylinder. The elongated fixture braces the barrel while attached to the firearm. The arc-shaped cross-section of the elongated fixture allows the barrel to be replaced or a new barrel to be attached without altering the position and orientation of the firearm. The apparatus further includes a lower tactical rail that allows the mounting of firearm accessories beneath the gas cylinder.