Firearm Accessory Mount Cam Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm accessory mounts face challenges with securing accessories under recoil, often requiring high torque, leading to flex, loosening, and inconvenience, especially in field conditions, due to reliance on screws or thumbscrews which can be cumbersome and prone to loosening.
Innovation Solution
A firearm accessory mount design featuring a platform with collinear bores and a thumbscrew mechanism that uses a disc spring and ball detent for secure attachment without excessive torque, allowing for quick release and reinstallation without tools, maintaining accuracy and reducing weight and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fasten the accessory mount to the rail, then the mount can be securely fastened under recoil, but the operator must carry tools and threadlocking chemicals which is cumbersome and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threading mechanical system with a cam-actuated lever system. The lever rotates on a pivot and uses a cam surface to apply radial clamping force to the rail, eliminating the need for screws, threads, and threadlocking chemicals while maintaining secure fastening under recoil conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory mount is designed to be self-fastening through the lever mechanism. The operator simply opens the lever to attach or detach the accessory without requiring any tools, threadlocking chemicals, or complex assembly procedures. The cam surface automatically applies the necessary clamping force when the lever is closed.
2Reliability
If high torque is applied to secure the accessory mount, then the mount remains secure under recoil, but the base flexes which affects the point of aim
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cam-actuated mechanism that applies clamping force progressively as the lever is closed, rather than requiring high initial torque. The cam surface geometry allows the operator to achieve secure fastening through rotational motion, distributing the force application and avoiding sudden high-torque loads that would cause base flex and affect point of aim accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a thumbscrew is used as the fastening means, then the operator can fasten by hand without tools, but the screw head must be excessively large to provide sufficient leverage which causes it to protrude and get caught on clothing or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear screw rotation to rotational lever movement in a different dimensional plane. The lever rotates on a pivot axis perpendicular to the rail, allowing the operator to apply force through a larger rotational arc rather than requiring a large-diameter thumbscrew head. This reduces the protrusion distance while maintaining adequate leverage for hand operation.
4Ease of operation
If a large thumbscrew head is used to provide sufficient leverage, then the operator can achieve the minimum torque by hand, but the large head protrudes excessively causing risk of being caught on clothing or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by using a lever that rotates on a pivot, creating a rotational mechanical advantage through arc motion rather than requiring a large radial protrusion. The lever's rotation path provides sufficient leverage while keeping the protruding elements minimal and streamlined, eliminating the snagging hazard associated with large thumbscrew heads.
5Productivity
If throw-lever actuated locking mechanisms are used, then the accessory can be quickly mounted and dismounted, but the levers protrude from the mount and can easily get caught on clothing, gear, and surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the lever mechanism to nest within the contours of the accessory mount base when in the closed position. The lever body is shaped to fit into recesses or along the profile of the base, minimizing protrusion. This allows the lever to maintain its quick-release functionality while reducing the risk of snagging on clothing or equipment during field operations.
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 a secure, lightweight, and streamlined attachment method that withstands recoil without tooling, maintains aiming accuracy, and prevents loosening, enhancing operational convenience and reducing stress on the firearm accessory rail.
Implementation Method 1
a disc spring and ball detent for secure attachment
Implementation Method 2
a disc spring and ball detent for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of firearm accessory mounting technologies are disclosed. Such technologies enable selective mounting of firearm accessories to firearm rails. Such technologies also enable integration of firearm rail mounting structures into firearms accessories.