Rail Mount Assembly with Over-Center Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail mounting systems for devices like optical sights on rifles face retention issues due to loosening, especially under shock profiles, leading to potential performance loss and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A rail mounting assembly utilizing an over-center cam mechanism with disk springs and compression springs, along with integral mechanical locking features, provides a quick release and secure attachment system resistant to shocks, featuring a throw lever and lock lever design for tactile engagement and adjustable clamping force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lever locking rail mount designs are used to mount optical sights, then user friendliness is improved, but mounting reproducibility errors increase and retention issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a clamping mechanism for securing the device to the rail, and an independent locking mechanism (lock nut with locking features) that prevents loosening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the clamp provides easy operation while the lock features ensure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Locking features (such as teeth or protrusions) act as intermediaries between the clamping mechanism and the locking mechanism. These features transfer and distribute the clamping force to multiple engagement points, preventing the threaded connection from loosening while maintaining the ease of lever operation.
2Reliability
If additional mechanical locks are included to prevent loosening, then retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are integrated into the existing clamping mechanism structure rather than being separate components. The lock nut threads onto the existing crossbar, and the locking features are formed as part of the clamping assembly, merging the locking function with the clamping structure to reduce overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the primary clamping force to secure the device to the rail, and through its integrated locking features, it also prevents loosening from vibration and shock. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for entirely separate locking components.
3Reliability
If clamping force is increased to overcome over center cam interface, then device retention is improved, but likelihood of over-tightening damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features provide tactile feedback to the user during the tightening process. As the lock nut is threaded onto the crossbar, the locking features engage at specific intervals, providing audible clicks or tactile resistance that indicate proper engagement. This feedback allows the user to stop tightening at the appropriate point, preventing over-tightening damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking features automatically engage and distribute the clamping force as the lock nut is threaded on, without requiring additional user effort or adjustment. The system self-regulates the clamping force distribution through the mechanical engagement of the locking features, preventing excessive force application.
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 solution ensures reliable and resilient device retention, preventing unintended loosening and damage, while allowing easy installation and removal with a user-friendly interface, enhancing safety and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an over center cam on a throw lever to facilitate actuating the rail clamp
Implementation Method 2
Disk springs are used as strong, resilient features in conjunction with compression springs
Implementation Method 3
resistant to substantial and repeated shocks produced by a firearm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A rail mounting assembly for mounting an accessory to a rail of a firearm includes a base portion arranged to support the accessory. The assembly includes a lock nut receiving recess on a first side portion and a moveable clamp on a second side portion where the side portions cooperate to grip the rail. A crossbar extends b etween the side portions such that the crossbar is movable relative to the moveable clamp. A lock nut is threadably engageable to an end of the crossbar proximate to the first side portion and a lock plate is positioned within the lock nut receiving recess between the lock nut and a spring disk when the lock nut is threadably engaged with the crossbar. The lock nut receiving recess is shaped to prevent rotation of the lock plate while allowing rotation of the lock nut.