Firearm Accessory Mount Lever Keeper Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Throw-lever type clamping mechanisms for mounting accessories on firearms can become loosened due to vibration and rough use, potentially causing accessories to fall off, posing a hazard in tactical field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mounting mechanism with a base, clamp, and lever, featuring a lever tab and keeper, which secures the clamp in an engaged position using a pivot and spring mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement, ensuring the accessory remains securely attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a throw-lever type clamping mechanism is used for mounting accessories on a rail, then the accessory can be quickly attached and detached, but the mechanism may become loosened due to vibration and rough use, causing accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The lever tab is preliminarily positioned to engage with the lever keeper before the clamping operation is complete. This preliminary engagement prevents the lever from accidentally rotating to the release position during vibration, while still allowing quick intentional detachment when the user pulls the lever tab.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever tab acts as an intermediary element between the lever and the user's control. By providing a dedicated engagement point (lever keeper) for the lever tab, the mechanism mediates between the need for secure locking during vibration and the need for quick release when needed, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the lever is allowed to swing freely to enable quick release, then the accessory can be rapidly detached, but the lever may swing away from the clamp inadvertently due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The lever keeper provides a preliminary counter-action to the harmful effect of vibration by engaging the lever tab and preventing the lever from swinging away from the clamp. This anti-action is built into the mechanism structure, so that during vibration, the lever tab is already constrained by the lever keeper, countering the tendency to accidentally release before the user can react.
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 mechanism provides a secure and reliable attachment of accessories on firearms, preventing accidental release and fall-off during vibration and use, enhancing safety and usability in tactical environments.
Implementation Method 1
A force is needed to be applied against a spring within the lever before the lever can be swung away from the clamp
Implementation Method 2
The lever, which includes a lever tab, is connected to the clamp at a pivot to allow an operator to selectively place the clamp in an engaged position or a disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting mechanism is disclosed. The mounting mechanism includes a base, a clamp and a lever. The base includes a lever keeper and a first rail-engaging surface. The clamp includes a second rail-engaging surface. The lever, which includes a lever tab, is connected to the clamp at a pivot to allow an operator to selectively place the clamp in an engaged position or a disengaged position. The lever is configured to move the clamp to the engaged position to allow a rail projection to be secured in a mounting cavity located between the first rail-engaging surface of the base and the second rail-engaging surface of the clamp. When in the engaged position, the lever tab located on the lever is configured to be engaged with the lever keeper located on the base in order to prevent the lever from swinging away from the clamp.