Firearm Accessory Mount with Cam-Actuated Jaw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm accessory mounting devices require tools and precise manipulation for quick-attach-and-detach functions, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for non-sight accessories like lights and battery packs that need frequent removal and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A clamp-based mounting device with opposing jaws and a biasing member, such as coil springs, that allows for tool-free attachment and detachment by compressing the biasing member to engage and disengage the jaws with the firearm rail's undercuts, using a combination of fixed and movable jaws for secure and easy mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clamp mounts with machine screws are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool requirement and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtool-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional machine screw mechanical system with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion to actuate the clamp jaws, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining secure attachment through the cam's mechanical locking action against the rail undercut.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs movable clamp jaws that can dynamically open and close in response to cam rotation. The jaws transition from a closed clamping position to an open release position, enabling quick attachment and detachment without tools while maintaining secure engagement during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If quick-detach mechanisms with knobs or levers are used, then tool-free operation is achieved, but manipulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequick detach capabilityVSAvoidmanipulation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the clamp mechanism into distinct functional segments: a rotation element for actuation, a cam for force multiplication and direction conversion, and movable jaws for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall manipulation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cam is pre-configured with its inclined surface and locking geometry to automatically guide the clamp jaws into the correct engagement position with the rail undercut. This preliminary geometric arrangement eliminates the need for precise manual manipulation during attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If precise mounting is used for sighting devices, then repeatability is improved, but operation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting repeatabilityVSAvoidattachment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp mechanism is designed to self-align and self-lock onto the rail undercut through the cam's geometric configuration. The movable jaws automatically engage the undercut geometry without requiring precise manual positioning, achieving both repeatability and speed through the mechanism's inherent self-correcting design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cam acts as an intermediary element between the user's rotational input and the clamp jaws' engagement with the rail. It translates simple rotational motion into precise linear clamping action, ensuring repeatable positioning while maintaining high operation speed through mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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, secure, and tool-free attachment and detachment of firearm accessories, improving convenience and reducing the need for precise manipulation, while maintaining a positive and secure attachment to the rail.

Implementation Method 1

A biasing member is disposed in the recess to urge the movable jaw into engagement with an undercut on the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the biasing member comprises a pair of coil springs disposed between a surface of the receptacle and a surface of the movable jaw

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11473872B2Firearm accessory mount

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 SELLMARK CORP

AI summary

A quick-attach-and-detach mount for removably securing an accessory on a rail of a firearm comprises a clamp carried by a portion of the accessory. The clamp includes a pair of generally opposing surfaces. An opposing jaw is formed on one of the generally opposing surfaces of the clamp and is configured to engage an undercut on the rail. At least one movable jaw is secured in a recess in another of the generally opposing surfaces of the clamp in opposition to the opposing jaw and is configured to engage an undercut on an opposite side of the rail from the opposing jaw. A biasing member is disposed in the recess to urge the movable jaw into engagement with the undercut on the rail. A locking member may be at least partially disposed in the recess and selectively act upon the movable jaw to selectively secure the movable jaw in engagement with the rail.