Quick Release Mounting Device for M-LOK Handguard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional M-LOK accessory mounting devices require tools for assembly and disassembly, are time-consuming, and limit accessory size due to space constraints, making them cumbersome for rapid operation.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mounting device with a base, cover, movable fasteners, positioning guide bars, and elastic elements that allow for one-handed assembly and disassembly without tools, featuring a protruding island type engagement portion and guide trough for secure attachment and removal from M-LOK rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional T-slot nut mounting device is used, then the accessory can be firmly attached to the M-LOK rail, but tool assembly and disassembly is required which is time-consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device enables self-service operation through the spring-loaded T-slot nut that automatically engages with the M-LOK rail slot when the release bar is actuated. The user simply needs to press the release bar to disengage, and the spring automatically resets the nut for re-engagement, eliminating the need for tools and reducing assembly/disassembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The T-slot nut is designed with dynamic characteristics through the spring mechanism that allows it to move between engaged and disengaged states. The spring-loaded design enables the nut to flexibly adapt to the M-LOK rail slot during engagement while providing quick release capability when the release bar is actuated
2Ease of operation
If the release bar is arranged at two longitudinal edges of the main body, then easy operation is achieved, but the main body length is limited which restricts applicable accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The release bar is repositioned from the longitudinal edges to the lateral sides of the main body, utilizing a different spatial dimension for operation. This lateral placement provides adequate finger access space while allowing the main body to extend longer to accommodate various accessory sizes without compromising operability
3Volume of moving object
If the main body length is limited for easy operation, then the mounting device is compact, but the space is limited making it hard to operate with fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The main body is designed with asymmetric dimensions where the length is extended to provide adequate finger access space for operating the release bar, while the width and height are kept compact. This asymmetric design allows sufficient space for finger manipulation without increasing the overall bulk of the mounting device
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 rapid and reliable attachment and detachment of accessories to M-LOK rails with one hand, allowing for improved operational response and flexibility without the need for tools, ensuring secure engagement and preventing unintended movement.
Implementation Method 1
two movable fasteners (3), two positioning guide bars (4), two keys or pressing elements (5) and a plurality of springs (33, 44, 55)
Data Source
AI summary
The mounting device includes keys or pressing element, a movable fastener, a positioning bar and elastic elements, which are assembled in a receiving room of a base. The base is formed with an island type engagement portion having a shape corresponding to a slot of an M-LOK rail. The keys or pressing element is transversely movable in the receiving room. The movable fastener is longitudinally movable in the receiving room and has a latch bar projecting to a bottom of the island type engagement portion. The keys or pressing element and the movable fastener are provided with a driving slant and a driven slant, respectively. A slidable planar contact is formed between the driving slant and the driven slant by means of both the driven slant being shifted by pushing the driving slant and elasticity of the elastic elements. Pressing the keys or pressing element drives the latch bar to make a longitudinally to-and-fro shift.