Pivoting Weapon Accessory Mount with Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon accessory mounts do not efficiently allow for the quick repositioning of accessories, such as scope magnifiers, from an active alignment with a sighting scope to a storage position, which is necessary for tactical flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting mount system with a base, pivot shaft, and upper member that allows an accessory to pivot between a use position aligned with the weapon and a storage position, utilizing elastomeric damping elements and a spring-loaded retaining assembly for smooth and secure movement, and a quick release clamping mechanism for attachment to a weapon rail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivoting mount system is implemented to allow quick repositioning of accessories, then the ease of operation and tactical flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of pivot shafts, damping elements, and retaining assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system employs a pivot shaft that enables the upper member to rotate dynamically between a use position (aligned with the weapon) and a storage position (offset from the weapon). This dynamic capability allows quick repositioning of the accessory without requiring complete disassembly or complex manual manipulation, directly improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through a straightforward rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded retaining assembly with a ball and detent acts as an intermediary mechanism that selectively locks the upper member in either the use or storage position. This intermediary component simplifies the operation by providing automatic positioning and locking, eliminating the need for continuous manual control, while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system.
2Reliability
If elastomeric damping elements are added to reduce movement and maintain stability during recoil, then the reliability and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Elastomeric damping elements are incorporated into the pivot shaft assembly to provide beforehand cushioning against recoil forces. These elements are positioned to absorb and dampen vibrations and shocks before they can affect the accessory or the weapon, ensuring stability and reliability during firing. The damping elements are integrated into the existing pivot structure, minimizing additional manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded retaining assembly with detents is used to secure the accessory in position, then the reliability of position retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retaining assembly operates on a self-service principle, where the spring automatically engages the ball with the appropriate detent based on the position of the upper member. When the upper member is in the use position, the spring pushes the ball into a detent to lock it securely; when pivoted to the storage position, the ball engages a different detent. This self-actuating mechanism improves position retention reliability without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
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
Enables quick and secure repositioning of accessories, providing tactical flexibility and convenience by allowing accessories to be easily moved between active and storage positions, while maintaining alignment and stability during recoil.
Implementation Method 1
A first damping element is disposed between the shaft and the base. The first damping element is an elastomeric ring disposed in the fore aperture of the base and surrounds the fore section of the pivot shaft. A second damping element is disposed between the upper member and the base. The second damping element is an elastomeric ring disposed between the pivot portion and one of the supports.
Implementation Method 2
The first damping element is an elastomeric ring disposed in the fore aperture of the base and surrounds the fore section of the pivot shaft. The second damping element is an elastomeric ring disposed between the pivot portion and one of the supports.
Implementation Method 3
The retaining assembly includes a spring loaded ball engaging the detents in the aft section of the pivot shaft when the upper portion is in the use and storage positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pivoting mount for a weapon accessory includes a base configured to attach to a weapon, an upper member, and a pivot shaft pivotally securing the upper member to the base. The upper member pivots between a use position and a storage position. The mount includes a first damping element disposed between the shaft and the base.