Hybrid Firearm Accessory Mount for Picatinny and M-LOK Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm accessories attachments, such as Picatinny and M-LOK designs, face issues of bulkiness, high manufacturing costs, and instability due to their respective structural characteristics, limiting flexibility and compatibility with different accessory types.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid locking mechanism combining the strengths of Picatinny and M-LOK designs, allowing for a base structure with M-LOK slots and a conversion structure with Picatinny grooves, enabling simultaneous mounting of both types of accessories on a firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If Picatinny design is used to maintain structure strength, then strength is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into a base structure and a conversion structure. The base structure provides the primary attachment interface, while the conversion structure can be selectively assembled to provide either Picatinny or M-LOK mounting features. This segmentation allows the strength requirements to be met only where necessary in the base structure, while the conversion structure adds minimal weight for the specific mounting style needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed with universal features that can accommodate both Picatinny and M-LOK accessories through the interchangeable conversion structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture separate attachments for each mounting standard, reducing overall device complexity and weight while maintaining structural strength through the common base structure.
2Strength
If Picatinny design is used to ensure structure strength, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the attachment into base and conversion structures, the manufacturing process is simplified. The base structure can be manufactured once using less complex processes, while the conversion structures are simple add-on components that require minimal machining. This reduces overall manufacturing time and cost compared to producing a full Picatinny-style attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows changing the mounting interface parameters by swapping conversion structures rather than redesigning the entire attachment. This means the base structure can be optimized for ease of manufacture, while the conversion structures provide the specific Picatinny or M-LOK interface parameters needed, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If M-LOK design is used to reduce weight and simplify manufacture, then weight and ease of manufacture are improved, but attachment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion structure acts as an intermediary between the base structure and the accessory. It transfers and distributes the mechanical loads from the accessory to the base structure in a way that enhances stability. This intermediary component allows the lightweight M-LOK interface to be used while the base structure provides the necessary stability through its design.
4Device complexity
If single-design attachment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device achieves universality by combining a universal base structure with interchangeable conversion structures. This allows a single base structure to support multiple accessory types (both Picatinny and M-LOK) through simple conversion structure swaps, providing high adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is dynamic in that the conversion structure can be changed based on the specific accessory being mounted. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same base structure to adapt to different mounting standards, enhancing versatility while keeping the base structure design relatively simple and consistent.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus implementable on a firearm includes an accessories attachment device. The accessories attachment device is configured to attach to the firearm. The accessories attachment device includes physical features that are configured to accommodate mounting of accessories capable of mounting by a first design and a second design different than the first design onto the accessories attachment device.