Rail Clamp Mount With Elastic Cam Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail clamp mounts for accessory devices on guns lack a secure and quick attachment/release mechanism that can effectively engage wedge-shaped surfaces of longitudinal rails, such as Picatinny rails, while being easy to use and adaptable to various rail configurations.
Innovation Solution
A rail clamp mount apparatus featuring a U-shaped clamping member with elastic properties, a cam mechanism, and an actuator handle that allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the clamp with the rail, utilizing V-shaped surfaces to securely attach to the rail's wedge-shaped surfaces, ensuring firm clamping and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single cam operated attachment device is used, then the device can attach to the rail, but it cannot provide secure engagement on both sides of the rail simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into two separate clamping members (first and second clamping members) that independently engage with the first and second sides of the rail respectively. Each clamping member has its own cam mechanism, allowing independent adjustment and secure engagement on both sides of the rail without requiring a complex integrated structure.
2Reliability
If a firm clamping mechanism is used to securely attach the rail clamp mount to the rail, then the attachment is secure, but the attachment and release process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanisms in both clamping members are designed to be actuated by periodic rotational motion of the actuator handle. A single continuous rotation of the handle simultaneously actuates both cam mechanisms, enabling both clamping members to engage or disengage from the rail in one quick motion, thus reducing attachment and release time while maintaining firm attachment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping member is made elastic to accommodate rail variations, then adaptability improves, but the clamping force and firmness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping members are made of elastic material that can deform to accommodate variations in rail dimensions and configurations. The elasticity allows the clamping members to conform to different rail profiles while the cam mechanisms provide sufficient mechanical force to ensure firm engagement. The elastic property enables adaptation without sacrificing clamping force, as the material deforms elastically rather than permanently.
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
The apparatus provides a secure and quick attachment/release mechanism for accessory devices on guns, accommodating various rail configurations, including Picatinny rails, with self-adjusting capabilities and ambidextrous operation, ensuring reliable and easy use.
Implementation Method 1
a cam mechanism comprising a circular member or disk rotatably residing in the clamping member adjacent to said second side of said longitudinal rail for imparting transverse movement to said clamping member when actuated
Implementation Method 2
The clamping member is preferably somewhat elastic, and includes a center section between the legs and extending from the base section of the U
Data Source
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Figure 12~14
AI summary
A rail clamp mount that may be quickly and easily firmly secured to a rail, such as a rail carried by a gun, and that may be quickly and easily released from the rail. A preferred embodiment comprises a mount base including a first rail-engaging surface; a generally U-shaped, somewhat elastic clamping member carried by the mount base and including two second rail-engaging surfaces at the ends of the legs of the U, and a third second rail-engaging surface at the end of the center section of the clamping member between the legs of the U, the second rail-engaging surfaces being opposed to and transversely spaced from the first rail-engaging surface; a cam mechanism mounting the clamping member to the mount base for imparting transverse movement to the clamping member when actuated; and an actuator for the cam mechanism including a throw handle.