Firearm Vise Cradle Maintains Barrel Harmonics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for projectile platforms like rifles and pistols often apply forces that alter the point of impact and barrel harmonics, leading to accuracy issues and inconsistent performance during maintenance and use, as they cannot securely anchor the device without straining it or allowing multiple orientations.
Innovation Solution
A vise system with a sliding jaw and guide rods that securely engage accessory rails, allowing for adjustable tension to maintain barrel harmonics and support the platform in various orientations without altering its configuration, using a tightening mechanism and adjustment knob to transition between tight and loose positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vise or clamp is used to securely anchor the firearm, then the firearm can be held stable for maintenance, but forces are applied to the platform affecting barrel harmonics and point of impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized firearm vise with a cradle that acts as an intermediary between the traditional vise and the firearm. The cradle is designed to support the firearm's weight and positioning forces through its geometry rather than direct clamping forces on the barrel or stock, thereby mediating the interaction to prevent harmful forces while maintaining secure anchoring
Solution Approach 2:
The vise system is segmented into multiple functional components: a main vise body for anchoring, a separate cradle structure for supporting the firearm, and adjustable positioning elements. This segmentation allows the anchoring function to be separated from the support function, enabling secure holding without direct force application to sensitive areas
2Reliability
If traditional clamps are used to support the firearm, then the firearm can be secured in position, but the firearm can only be supported with the bore parallel to the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The vise incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements including a rotatable cradle that can be positioned at multiple angles, allowing the firearm to be secured in various orientations (horizontal, vertical, angled) while maintaining stable support. The adjustability mechanisms enable the system to adapt to different maintenance tasks requiring different firearm positions
3Adaptability or versatility
If a ball joint is used to allow movement away from planar configuration, then some orientation flexibility is provided, but the platform can fall when loosened causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vise design incorporates preliminary anti-action through its geometric cradle structure that inherently prevents uncontrolled falling movements. The cradle's shape and the vise's locking mechanisms are designed to counteract gravity and prevent the firearm from falling even when orientation is changed, eliminating the need for ball joints while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric cradle acts as an intermediary that provides controlled movement capability while preventing uncontrolled falling. It mediates between the need for orientation flexibility and the need to prevent damage, allowing intentional position changes while blocking harmful uncontrolled movements
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 vise system provides repeatable and secure anchoring of the platform, maintaining barrel harmonics and preventing changes in the point of impact, allowing for precise maintenance and adjustments without affecting accuracy or performance.
Implementation Method 1
A vise system with a sliding jaw and guide rods that securely engage accessory rails, allowing for adjustable tension
Implementation Method 2
using a tightening mechanism and adjustment knob to transition between tight and loose positions
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for holding firearms by use of a mounting rail system, such as arca or picatinny, where the rail is held securely in the clamp by a sliding jaw tightened with a knob. The clamp is formed from an arm which itself is held securely within a vise that can be mounted to any suitable surface. The use of a cylindrical arm to form the clamp allows the clamp and firearm to be rotated in the vertical plane. Mounting the vise on a swivel allows for rotation in the horizontal plane. Together, this system provides a user with a stable, infinitely adjustable mounting mechanism that does not affect barrel harmonics.