Universal Pintle Mount With Quick-Reposition Clamp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon mounting systems are limited in their ability to be quickly and easily repositioned on vehicles or structures, which can put personnel at a disadvantage and risk physical harm due to their fixed nature.
Innovation Solution
A universal pintle mount system comprising a clamp assembly and a pintle assembly that allows for quick reorientation and repositioning, featuring a clamp lever, fixed and moveable jaws, and a slide block with splined faces for secure attachment to various support structures and weapons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting system is used, then the weapon is securely mounted, but the system cannot be quickly repositioned or reoriented
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates movable components including a slide block that can move along the clamp assembly and a pintle assembly that can rotate and pivot. These dynamic elements allow the weapon to be repositioned to multiple orientations while maintaining secure mounting, directly resolving the contradiction between fixed security and repositioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamp assembly for attaching to the support structure, a pintle assembly for weapon attachment, and a slide block for positioning adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling repositioning without requiring complex overall system redesign.
2Loss of time
If a permanently fixed weapon mount is used, then the mounting is stable, but it takes considerable time and effort to relocate the weapon
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanisms provide dynamic, tool-free operation for both removal and installation. The clamp lever and pintle lever can be quickly actuated to release or secure the weapon mount, dramatically reducing relocation time while maintaining secure attachment when engaged, thus resolving the time-effort contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple mounting mechanism is used, then the system is easy to operate, but it cannot accommodate multiple orientations or positions
Solution Approach 1:
The slide block moves along the clamp assembly to different positions, and the pintle assembly rotates and pivots to achieve multiple orientations. Each position is secured by levers that provide reliable mechanical locking, ensuring mounting security is maintained across all orientations and positions, thus resolving the versatility-reliability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanisms are designed with inherent mechanical advantage and locking features that ensure secure engagement before the weapon is subjected to operational stresses. This preliminary securing mechanism ensures reliability is established in advance, maintaining secure mounting across all possible orientations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for mounting a weapon to a support structure comprising a pintle assembly including a slide block; a pintle coupled to the slide block; a pintle lever with a handle and a rod rotatably coupled to the slide block; and a clamp assembly including a fixed jaw having a first end and a second end forming at least one knuckle; a moveable jaw having a first end and a second end forming a pin; and a clamp lever that releasably couples the first end of the fixed jaw with the first end of the moveable jaw; wherein the pin of the moveable jaw is rotatably coupled to the at least one knuckle of the fixed jaw; the pintle lever is rotatably coupled to the fixed jaw of the clamp assembly; and the pintle assembly and the clamp assembly are rotatably and releasably coupled to each other.