Modular Shooting Rest with Interchangeable Support Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shooting supports for firearms lack interchangeability in size and shape, leading to sagging or drooping when lifted, as they are typically designed as single, non-adjustable units that require replacement for different configurations.

Innovation Solution

A detachable support frame attachable to the firearm forearm, featuring spaced-apart attachment locations for multiple, interchangeably sized and shaped conformable rest units, utilizing hook-and-loop fasteners or other detachable mechanisms to secure the units without needing to remove the frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single non-adjustable support unit is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different shooting positions and conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different shooting positionsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into a reusable frame component and interchangeable support units. The frame remains attached to the firearm while different support units can be swapped depending on the shooting position and conditions, allowing adaptability without redesigning the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of support units with different sizes, shapes, and materials. This multi-functional design allows a single frame to serve various shooting scenarios by simply changing the support unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support units of different sizes and shapes are provided, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterchangeability of size and shapeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the frame from the support units, the system allows multiple units to be used with a single frame. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity compared to having multiple complete support systems, as the frame and mounting mechanism remain constant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame combines multiple attachment locations and a standardized mounting interface that works with all support units. This merging of functions into a single component reduces the need for multiple different frame designs, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a long or large bag is attached to the forearm at one point, then the support coverage is adequate, but the bag sags or droops when lifted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability when liftedVSAvoidsupport bag size
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is divided into a rigid frame portion that provides structural support and a conformable bag portion that provides comfort. The frame's multiple attachment points distribute the load and prevent sagging, while the bag maintains its size for adequate support coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid frame acts as an intermediary between the firearm and the conformable bag. It transfers and distributes the mechanical loads, preventing the bag from sagging when lifted, while allowing the bag to maintain its full size for support coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the entire support device is exchanged for different configurations, then the adaptability is achieved, but the time and effort required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration change capabilityVSAvoidtime to exchange support units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By making only the support units detachable and interchangeable while keeping the frame attached, the system reduces the time and effort required for configuration changes. Users only need to swap the support units rather than removing and reattaching the entire support device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is pre-attached to the firearm with multiple attachment locations prepared in advance. This preliminary setup allows support units to be quickly swapped without requiring complex alignment or reattachment procedures, reducing the time for configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10670365B2Modular supported shooting rest
Publication Date: 2020.06.02 COLE-TAC LLC
  • US10670365B2 patent drawing
  • US10670365B2 patent drawing
  • US10670365B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a detachable supported shooting rest having a rigid support frame and a plurality of differently sized/shaped conformable support units. The frame is removably attached to a firearm and has spaced-apart support unit attachment locations. The conformable support units are interchangeably attachable to the frame at the attachment locations without removal of the frame from the firearm.