Keyhole Accessory Locking Interface for Modular Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching accessories to firearms with modular accessory rails, such as KeyMod™ rails, are not effective for securely locking keyhole mounted accessories in place.
Innovation Solution
The use of anchors and helical pads, anchor beams with throw levers, and other locking mechanisms that interface with modular holes on a handguard to securely attach keyhole mounted accessories to firearms, allowing for easy installation and removal by sliding or rotating the accessory along the rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting methods (slide-on, drop-on, screw) are used to attach accessories to Picatinny rails, then the accessory can be securely mounted, but these methods are not effective for modular accessory rails with specific hole configurations like KeyMod™
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is segmented into discrete modular components: anchors with specific geometries that fit into correspondingly spaced holes in the modular rail. This segmentation allows the accessory to adapt to different rail configurations while maintaining secure attachment through precise geometric matching between anchors and rail holes.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate locking mechanism is introduced between the accessory body and the modular rail. This intermediary component translates the simple insertion motion into a secure locked position, enabling reliable attachment to rails with specific hole patterns without requiring traditional slide-on or screw mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If simple insertion methods are used for modular rails, then ease of installation is improved, but secure locking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor geometry is designed with preliminary features that guide insertion and automatically position the accessory correctly as it approaches the rail. The pre-configured anchor shapes engage with the rail holes in a predetermined sequence, ensuring proper alignment and secure locking without requiring complex manual manipulation or multiple adjustment steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anchors are designed to fit modular holes, then adaptability to different rail configurations is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different anchor geometries are designed for different local requirements on the modular rail. Each anchor type has specific dimensional characteristics optimized for its particular mounting location and load requirements, while all anchors share the same basic insertion principle. This local customization allows adaptation to various rail configurations without requiring a completely different locking mechanism for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyhole mounted accessory system, the system comprising a main body coupled to an intermediate body, the intermediate body having a base that contains a large hollow cylinder. The large hollow cylinder contains a small hollow cylinder. A bolt protrudes from a first end of the main body through the small hollow cylinder and the large hollow cylinder. A cylindrical rotor having a round aperture in the center contains one or more helical pads is coupled to a top plate by one or more anchors. The top plate includes one or more helical recesses that interface with the one or more helical pads. The one or more anchors secure the top plate to the intermediate body.