Firearm Support Device with Intermediary Segmented Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm maintenance support devices risk damaging firearm components due to improper clamping, which can subject them to excessive forces, and often limit the flexibility in supporting components in various orientations.
Innovation Solution
A firearm support device with an elongate member featuring a clamping portion, a supporting portion, and a stop portion, including vise pins and a lock knob, designed to securely clamp between vise jaws while providing robust internal support to firearm components, allowing for various orientations and minimizing risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a firearm component is clamped into a vise for maintenance, then the armorer's hands are freed for performing maintenance tasks and greater torque can be applied to firearm components, but the component may be damaged due to excessive clamping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support device as an intermediary between the vise and the firearm component. The device includes a clamping portion that receives the vise jaws and a supporting portion that contacts the firearm component, with a stop portion positioned between them. This intermediary structure distributes the clamping forces through multiple contact points (clamping faces, stop face, and support surfaces) rather than concentrating force at a single point, thereby preventing damage to the firearm component while enabling hands-free maintenance operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a clamping portion for receiving vise forces, a stop portion for limiting component movement, and a supporting portion for bearing the firearm component. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function - the clamping portion handles visc forces, the stop portion prevents over-travel, and the supporting portion provides stable support - thereby protecting the firearm component from damage while maintaining operational ease
2Reliability
If a traditional vise is used to hold a firearm component, then secure support is provided for maintenance tasks, but the device lacks flexibility in supporting components in various orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates a rotatable feature that allows the supporting portion to rotate relative to the clamping portion, enabling the firearm component to be positioned in various orientations (e.g., horizontal, vertical, angled) while maintaining secure support. This dynamic capability provides flexibility for different maintenance tasks without compromising the reliability of the support, as the component remains firmly held regardless of orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed with universal features that enable it to support different types of firearm components (upper receivers, barrels, etc.) in multiple orientations. The clamping portion can accommodate various component sizes and shapes, the stop portion can be positioned at different locations, and the supporting portion can be oriented in different directions, making the device versatile for various maintenance tasks while providing reliable secure support
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm support device can include an elongate member, a lock knob, and vise pins. The elongate member can include a clamping portion, a supporting portion, and a stop portion located therebetween. The clamping portion can be clamped between jaws of a bench vise, can include two parallel clamping faces, and can define vise pin holes. The vise pins can be received by the vise pin holes. The supporting portion can support an upper receiver of a firearm and can include a cylindrical shaft aligned with the long axis of the elongate member. The supporting portion can include splines structured to mate with lugs of a barrel extension of a firearm barrel. The supporting portion can define a plurality of lock knob holes aligned radially and located around the cylindrical shaft. The lock knob can be received by one of these holes and constrain the upper receiver.