Firearm Sling Quick-Release Mechanism for One-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-point rifle slings with metal clasps or clips require two hands to operate, making it difficult to transition quickly to different shooting positions or stow the rifle, and bungee designs can cause the rifle to inadvertently release, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A firearm sling assembly featuring a quick-release mechanism with non-metallic components, including a key groove, key channel, biasing element, and release element, allowing one-handed operation and attachment/detachment, and using non-metallic materials to prevent noise and metal clanging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal clasps or clips are used in single-point sling designs, then the rifle can be securely attached to the strap, but the mechanism requires two hands to operate and cannot be quickly transitioned to other shooting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The sling assembly is divided into separate components: a strap, an anchor, and a quick-release mechanism. This segmentation allows the attachment and release functions to be independently optimized, enabling secure attachment during carrying and rapid release during tactical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism incorporates a movable key that can be displaced between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic element allows the system to transition from a secure locked state to a rapid release state with a single hand operation, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick transition.
2Ease of operation
If bungee cords are used to attach the sling to the rifle, then the rifle can be easily attached and detached, but the rifle may inadvertently release and forcefully impact the operator's chin or face
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism incorporates a biasing element that maintains constant engagement pressure on the key, ensuring the rifle remains securely attached during normal operation. This pre-applied force prevents inadvertent release while allowing controlled disengagement when the release element is deliberately actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The key acts as an intermediary element between the anchor and strap, mediating the connection and release functions. The key groove and key channel provide controlled interaction points that ensure reliable attachment during carrying while enabling rapid release through deliberate key displacement, preventing both secure attachment and inadvertent release.
3Strength
If metallic components are used in the sling assembly, then the components can be strong and durable, but they produce noise and metal clanging in tactical situations
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the sling components is changed from metallic to non-metallic materials. This parameter change eliminates the harmful acoustic properties of metal while maintaining the structural strength and durability needed for tactical operations, as non-metallic materials can be engineered to provide equivalent mechanical properties without the noise and clanging associated with metal.
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 and safe transitions between shooting positions without removing the strap, reduces the risk of accidental rifle release, and minimizes noise and metal clanging in tactical situations.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element acting between the key and second element to bias the key into engagement with the key groove
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm sling assembly includes an anchor adapted for connection to a firearm, a strap forming a single loop and adapted for wearing around a user's neck, and a quick-release mechanism releasably attaching the anchor to the strap. The quick-release mechanism includes a first element having a key groove defined therein, a second element having a key channel defined therein, the key channel extending between a first opening adjacent the key groove and a second opening away from the key groove, a key slidably disposed in the key channel and retractably engaging the key groove through the first opening, a biasing element acting between the key and second element to bias the key into engagement with the key groove, and a release element disposed on the second element and displaceable relative thereto to disengage the key from the key groove.