Conical Latch Mount for Tool-Free Firearm Tripod Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for attaching firearms and other objects to supports like tripods are cumbersome for quick assembly, disassembly, and reorientation, especially when dealing with heavy and large objects, as they often require tools and are not designed for rapid detachment and reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A mount comprising an object member with a tapered, conical portion and a support member with a complementary receptacle, along with a latch mechanism that allows for secure, tool-free attachment and detachment by aligning conical surfaces and engaging a notch, enabling quick and secure coupling and decoupling without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded fasteners are used to couple the object to the support structure, then the coupling strength and rigidity are improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate components: a support member with a receptacle and a distinct object member with a conical portion. This segmentation allows the object to be quickly inserted into and removed from the support structure without requiring threaded fasteners, while still maintaining a strong rigid coupling when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
A conical portion on the object member serves as an intermediary element that fits into a complementary receptacle on the support member. This conical interface provides both quick attachment/detachment capability and sufficient coupling strength, eliminating the need for tools while maintaining rigidity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If threaded fasteners are used to secure the object to the support, then the rigid coupling is achieved, but the ease of operation for quick assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static threaded fastener system to a dynamic insertable/removable conical portion system. The conical object member can be quickly inserted into and removed from the receptacle, providing both rigid coupling when assembled and ease of operation for reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If the support structure is designed to be collapsible with telescoping or folding legs, then the portability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into collapsible components with telescoping or folding legs, allowing the overall device to be compacted for transport while maintaining structural integrity when deployed. This segmentation enables portability without requiring complete redesign of the coupling mechanism.
4Reliability
If tools or thumbwheels are used for manipulation, then the secure coupling is achieved, but the ease of operation for quick detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical portion on the object member acts as an intermediary that provides both secure coupling when inserted into the receptacle and tool-free quick detachment. The conical geometry ensures proper alignment and secure fit, while the simple insert/remove mechanism eliminates the need for tools or complex thumbwheel mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for coupling an object to a support has an object member that includes an upper surface configured for attachment to a portion of the object, a lower extent including a generally conical object portion depending from the object member; and a notch formed in a portion of the lower extent. A support member includes a lower surface configured for attachment to the support, an upper surface, and a receptacle formed in the upper surface to receive the lower extent of the object member. The receptacle includes a generally conical support portion to receive and mate with the generally conical object portion. A latch member is selectively operable to engage the notch of the object portion to selectively secure together the object and support members.