Firearm Rail Mounting Bracket with Expandable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm rail systems lack versatility in converting between different mounting profiles, such as Weaver and Picatinny, which limits the compatibility and ease of mounting various accessories.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system comprising a bracket with expandable legs and engagement members that allow for adjustable positioning and force application, enabling the conversion between different mounting profiles by altering the distance and orientation of the legs to securely engage with various firearm rail systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting profile is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different mounting profiles (Weaver, Picatinny) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates expandable legs that can transition between retracted and extended positions. The legs are biased by springs to automatically expand when engagement members are inserted, enabling the bracket to adapt to different mounting profile configurations without requiring multiple fixed brackets
Solution Approach 2:
A single mounting bracket design serves multiple functions by supporting both Weaver and Picatinny mounting profiles through the expandable leg mechanism. The same bracket can be configured for different profiles by adjusting leg position, eliminating the need for separate dedicated brackets for each profile type
2Ease of operation
If engagement members are rigidly fixed, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation for adjustable positioning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement members automatically trigger leg expansion through their insertion motion itself. When engagement members are inserted into the bracket, their presence directly causes the legs to expand via spring bias, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms or manual positioning steps
Solution Approach 2:
The springs are pre-loaded in the bracket to store potential energy before engagement members are inserted. This preliminary action ensures that when engagement members are installed, the stored energy immediately drives the legs to their correct extended position, simplifying the operation
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system includes a bracket, a first engagement member, and a second engagement member. The bracket includes a first leg, a second leg, and a bridge portion extending between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg defines a first aperture. The second leg defines a second aperture. The first engagement member is disposed within the first aperture and includes a first engagement surface. The second engagement member is disposed within the second aperture and includes a second engagement surface configured to receive the first engagement surface.