Adjustable Mounting Assembly With Threaded Governor Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular mounting assemblies for combat weapons lack adjustable spring tension, leading to overtightening and potential damage when used with non-standard dovetail rails that deviate from mil-std 1913 specifications, which are increasingly common in the commercial market.
Innovation Solution
The modular mounting assembly features an adjustable clamping system with a stainless steel threaded governor post and Belleville spring washers, allowing for customizable spring tension adjustment through a retention nut and locking pin mechanism, ensuring reliable engagement with dovetail rails regardless of dimensional variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed spring tension clamping system is used, then the structure is simple, but it causes overtightening and potential damage when used with non-standard dovetail rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed spring tension system into a dynamic adjustable system by introducing a governor post with external threads that allow the user to modify the spring compression distance. This enables the clamping force to be adapted to different rail dimensional variations, preventing both overtightening and undertightening issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of spring tension by allowing adjustment of the spring compression distance through the governor post mechanism. Users can modify the compression distance to achieve appropriate clamping force for standard and non-standard rails, directly addressing the reliability issue.
2Ease of manufacture
If the governor post is integrally molded with the foot portion, then manufacturing is simpler, but tensile strength is insufficient under high clamping loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the governor post into separate components: the foot portion (molded) and the governor post itself (machined from solid stock). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the foot for molding complexity and the governor post for tensile strength under clamping loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines different manufacturing processes and material properties by integrating a machined governor post (providing high strength) with a molded foot portion (providing complex geometry). This composite approach leverages the advantages of both manufacturing methods to achieve both ease of manufacture and high strength.
3Ease of operation
If spring tension is not adjustable, then the device is easier to operate, but it cannot accommodate dimensional variations in non-mil-std 1913 rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability into the previously fixed system, allowing the spring tension to be dynamically modified by the user through the governor post mechanism. This enables the same device to adapt to various rail types while maintaining ease of operation through a simple adjustment procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the mounting assembly universal by enabling it to work with both standard mil-std 1913 rails and non-standard rails through the adjustable spring tension mechanism. The governor post allows a single device to perform multiple functions across different rail configurations.
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
This solution provides superior strength, durability, and ease of maintenance by allowing precise adjustment of clamping force, preventing overtightening and damage to the rail and mounting assembly, while accommodating a range of dovetail rail dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
Belleville spring washers, allowing for customizable spring tension adjustment
Implementation Method 2
threaded governor post extends upwardly through the opening in the bushing and provides added tensile strength
Data Source
AI summary
An improved mounting assembly is provided that is configured to be releasably attached to a dovetail rail profile, wherein the clamping tension of the clamping actuator is adjustable. The assembly includes a molded foot portion and a turned steel threaded governor post which provides superior strength and durability to a critical stress point in the assembly. The threaded, removable governor post configuration also provides the ability to change the post material to increase overall component strength and to increase thread strength. The arrangement further simplifies field maintenance and repair in the event of damage and reduces repair costs by not having to replace the entire lever assembly.