Resilient Keyhole Grip Cover for Firearm Accessory Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keylock mounting systems on firearms face difficulties in efficiently powering and attaching electronic accessories due to the complexity of mounting and the weight of traditional mounting rails, with a need for alternative methods to control and attach electrified devices.
Innovation Solution
A resilient cover with keyhole grips that deform to fit into keyhole shaped openings, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without damaging the mounting system, and incorporating electrical circuits to power accessories by connecting end-to-end, using conductive materials to ensure electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting rails are used to attach accessories to firearms, then the mounting system provides stable attachment capability, but the system becomes heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into discrete keylock mounting points distributed along the firearm handguard, replacing the continuous heavy rail structure. Each keylock point is a lightweight individual component that can be selectively used, reducing overall system weight while maintaining attachment capability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The essential attachment function is extracted from the heavy continuous rail and concentrated into discrete keylock mounting points. This extraction removes unnecessary material and complexity while preserving the core functionality of accessory attachment at critical locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting rails are added to accommodate various accessories, then the versatility of the firearm system increases, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keylock mounting points are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate multiple types of accessories (lights, lasers, grips, etc.) at each location. This multi-functionality allows a single simplified mounting system to replace multiple specialized rails, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a one-dimensional continuous rail to a multi-dimensional array of discrete keylock points distributed along the handguard. This dimensional change allows accessories to be mounted at various positions and orientations, providing versatility without requiring continuous rail structures.
3Weight of moving object
If keylock mounting points are used instead of rails, then the system weight is reduced, but the ease of attaching and detaching accessories becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The keylock mounting points incorporate movable resilient keys that can be easily depressed to release accessories. This dynamic mechanism allows quick attachment and detachment operations despite the simplified structure, maintaining ease of operation while reducing weight compared to fixed rail systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient keys in the keylock mounting points automatically engage with accessories when inserted and can be quickly released by applying pressure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex locking procedures, making accessory attachment and detachment easy despite the lightweight design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If resilient cover material is used to protect the mounting system, then the protection capability increases, but the electrical connectivity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with different material properties in different locations: resilient material in most areas for protection and comfort, and conductive material at specific keylock mounting point locations for electrical connectivity. This local differentiation allows the cover to provide both protection and electrical functionality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Conductive elements or pathways are introduced as intermediaries between the resilient cover material and the electrical contacts. These conductive intermediaries transmit electrical signals through the cover without compromising the protective resilient material, allowing both functions to coexist.
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 cover provides a lightweight, ergonomic solution for powering and attaching electronic firearm accessories, ensuring reliable electrical connectivity and protection of the mounting system while allowing for easy installation and removal without scratching or deforming the system.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient cover with keyhole grips that deform to fit into keyhole shaped openings, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without damaging the mounting system
Implementation Method 2
incorporating electrical circuits to power accessories by connecting end-to-end, using conductive materials to ensure electrical connectivity
Data Source
AI summary
Covers for key lock mounting systems on small arms such as the AR or M4 family of rifles and carbines can provide protection for the firearm, comfort for the operator, and electrical power to firearm accessories. The cover has keyhole grips that are pressed into the key lock mounting points in mounting system. The cover is held seated against the surface of the mounting system by the shape and resilience of keyhole grips. V-notch keyhole grips can attach to keyhole shaped mounting points and slot shaped mounting points. The covers have connectors and internal circuitry such that covers lined up edge to edge are electrically connected. Firearm accessories can be electrically powered the connectors.