Firearm Accessory Mounting Interface with Pivoting Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm accessory mounting interfaces, such as Picatinny rail and KEYMOD systems, are cumbersome, prone to snagging, weighty, and susceptible to debris clogging, with complex manufacturing requirements that make them difficult to implement in polymeric materials.
Innovation Solution
A firearm accessory mounting interface comprising a first elongated fastener, a second fastener, and an elongated slot that allows clearance in an open position but locks in a closed position, preventing rotation and securing the accessory to the firearm, thereby minimizing weight, snagging, and debris accumulation, while being easier to manufacture in polymeric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Picatinny rail or KEYMOD systems are used for mounting accessories, then accessory mounting capability is provided, but weight increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional rail structure entirely and replaces it with a minimalist mounting interface consisting of only two fasteners. This extracts the essential mounting function while eliminating the excess weight of full rail systems, achieving accessory mounting capability with minimal material.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing continuous rail coverage, the patent applies mounting features only at the specific locations where accessories need to be attached. The two fasteners are positioned precisely at the mounting points, providing localized mounting capability without the weight of continuous rail structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rail systems are used, then accessory mounting is enabled, but snagging on clothing and debris accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential mounting function from the traditional rail system, removing the continuous rail structure that causes snagging and debris accumulation. The minimalist two-fastener interface provides mounting capability without the problematic surface area of traditional rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is concentrated at two specific local points rather than distributed along a continuous rail. This localized approach eliminates the extended surfaces that snag on clothing and accumulate debris, while still providing adequate mounting capability for accessories.
3Weight of moving object
If modular rails are used to reduce weight, then weight decreases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting interface directly into the handguard structure, eliminating the need for separate modular rail components. The two fasteners are integrated into the handguard during manufacturing, simplifying production while maintaining weight reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The handguard structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, heat dissipation, and integrated mounting capability. The two fasteners are positioned to accommodate various accessory types, providing universal mounting functionality without requiring complex modular rail systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If KEYMOD system is used, then accessory mounting is enabled, but manufacturing complexity in polymeric materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is merged directly into the polymeric handguard structure during molding. The two fastener holes and mounting features are integrated into the handguard design, allowing for straightforward injection molding or other polymeric manufacturing processes without requiring complex secondary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handguard structure provides universal mounting capability for various accessories while being manufactured as a single polymeric component. The design accommodates different accessory types through the two fasteners, eliminating the need for complex KEYMOD slot machining in polymeric materials.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved firearm accessory mounting interface is herein disclosed. The interface can include one or more sets of first and second fasteners that interface through an elongated slot in a firearm in order to mount a firearm accessory to a firearm. The second fastener can be shaped and sized to clear the elongated slot and can, upon clearing the elongated slot, be pivoted to an oblique orientation relative to the elongated slot so that the second fastener cannot be retracted. The first fastener can continue to be turned thus drawing the first and second fasteners toward each other and locking the accessory to the firearm.