Firearm Support Lateral Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm supports lack a horizontal adjustment mechanism that balances ease of use and effective construction, and they do not provide a simple and inexpensive storage system for legs or a handle for easy portability.
Innovation Solution
A firearm support apparatus with a table element having legs for horizontal support, a forward cradle assembly with a lateral adjustment mechanism, and a rearward cradle assembly for vertical adjustment, along with a storage rack for leg storage and a handle for portability, featuring a horizontal adjustment mechanism that includes a mounting post, adjustment collars, and knobs for precise rifle positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a horizontal adjustment mechanism is added to the firearm support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses nested components where the adjustment rod is received within the adjustment collar, and the entire adjustment assembly is mounted on the mounting post. This nesting approach allows multiple adjustment functions to be integrated into a compact structure, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: mounting post, adjustment collar, adjustment rod, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and construction complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a storage system for legs is incorporated into the table element, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg storage function is merged with the table element structure itself. The storage rack is integrated into the table's framework, and the locking arms are incorporated as part of the leg assembly. This merging allows the support apparatus to transition between deployed and stored configurations without requiring separate storage components, improving portability while minimizing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If precise horizontal adjustment is enabled through a threaded mechanism, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simple externally threaded adjustment rod that interfaces with a corresponding threaded hole in the adjustment collar. This mechanical substitution uses basic threading principles rather than complex gear or cam mechanisms, achieving precise positioning while keeping the adjustment mechanism relatively simple and easy to manufacture.
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 apparatus provides a user-friendly, adjustable, and portable firearm support system that ensures accurate rifle aiming and storage, enhancing shooting accuracy and convenience by allowing easy horizontal and vertical adjustments and incorporating a storage system for the legs.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment slide threadedly engaged with the externally threaded median portion of the lateral adjustment rod, between the pair of adjustment collars, such that rotation of the adjustment knob turns the lateral adjustment rod, thereby moving the adjustment slide laterally with respect to the adjustment plate
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm support apparatus has a table element having legs for supporting the table element in a generally horizontal configuration, a forward cradle assembly mounted on a forward portion of the table element, and a rearward cradle assembly mounted on a rearward portion of the table element. The forward cradle assembly may comprise a mounting post, an adjustment plate mounted on the mounting collar and extending laterally therefrom, and a pair of adjustment collars mounted on the adjustment plate laterally spaced from one another. A lateral adjustment rod has ends engaged with the adjustment collars, and an externally threaded median portion threadedly engaged with an adjustment slide. A forward cradle is mounted on an adjustment slide for adjustable mounting a forward part of the rifle.