Unitary Plastic Barrel Clip for Hands-Free Firearm Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a secure, hands-free method for temporarily stowing firearms without risking damage from debris, mud, or environmental harm when hunters need to free their hands during hiking or hunting.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, unitary barrel clip of plastic construction without springs or brackets that attaches to a firearm's barrel and non-human supports like fences or tree branches, allowing secure, temporary storage without damaging the firearm or the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If firearms are leaned against a tree or support, then hands are freed for other activities, but the firearm becomes vulnerable to damage from debris, mud, water, and snow
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel clip serves as an intermediary device between the firearm and the support surface. It provides a protected interface that allows the firearm to be secured without direct contact with contaminated surfaces like the ground, thereby preventing debris, mud, water, and snow from damaging the firearm while maintaining hands-free capability
2Ease of operation
If firearms are placed on the ground, then hands are freed, but the firearm and barrel become dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel clip acts as a mediator that elevates the firearm off the ground and secures it to a support structure. This intermediary device prevents direct contact between the firearm/barrel and contaminated ground surfaces, thereby keeping the firearm clean while enabling hands-free operation
3Reliability
If existing clips with springs or brackets are used, then firearm attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel clip combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. It merges the attachment mechanism, support structure, and firearm-holding capability into one unitary device, eliminating the need for separate springs, brackets, or adjustment mechanisms while maintaining secure firearm attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel clip is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing. The flexible material naturally conforms to the firearm barrel and support structure without requiring springs for tension or brackets for attachment. The device uses its own material properties to achieve secure attachment, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components
4Device complexity
If unitary construction without springs or brackets is used, then device complexity is reduced, but attachment security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel clip utilizes changes in material parameters - specifically the flexibility and elastic properties of the flexible material - to achieve secure attachment. The material can deform to accommodate the firearm barrel and support structure, then returns to its original shape to maintain secure holding, providing reliable attachment without complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel clip is made from flexible material that combines the properties of structural support and elastic deformation. This material composition allows the single-piece construction to both attach securely to the firearm and support structure while maintaining the ability to absorb shocks and maintain grip without springs or additional fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A barrel clip of unitary plastic construction is used to securely clip onto the barrel of a firearm and simultaneously is able to hook the firearm to a non-human support such as a fence when, during hiking and/or hunting, there is a need for the hiker and/or hunter to be hands free and out of contact with his/her firearm. This lightweight, inexpensive inventive barrel clip helps prevent clogging and dirtying of the firearm barrel. Further it does not cause damage to the environment in which it is used. It is easily stored in a pocket, on the barrel of the firearm, or clipped onto some convenient item being taken on the hike and/or hunt.