Retractable Gun Stand With Cam Lock and Ribbon Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun supports lack a compact and easily deployable mechanism that enhances aiming accuracy by providing a stable resting surface for guns, especially in field conditions where quick setup and takedown are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stand with a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism, featuring a cam lock actuator and manual locking mechanism, allowing for quick deployment and retraction, and a foot brace for stable positioning, which can be used to support various devices like rifles, cameras, and crossbows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional gun stand structure is used, then stability is provided, but deployment speed and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbons are coiled within the base housing when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. The locking mechanism engages with the coiled ribbons to secure them in a compact form factor, allowing rapid deployment without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand transitions from a static traditional structure to a dynamic retractable system. The ribbons can be quickly extended and locked into place, providing stability when needed while allowing rapid retraction for compact storage and quick deployment.
2Loss of time
If a retractable mechanism is added to enable quick deployment, then deployment speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through cam action. When the ribbons are extended to the desired length, the cam lock automatically engages with the coiled ribbons to secure them in place, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate cam lock mechanism that independently manages the ribbon extension. This modular approach allows the locking mechanism to be simplified and optimized for rapid operation without complicating the overall stand structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the stand is made compact for portability, then ease of transport improves, but stability when deployed may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbons transition from a compact coiled configuration within the base housing to an extended linear configuration when deployed. This dimensional transformation allows the stand to achieve both compact storage volume and adequate deployment length for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbons are pre-coiled within the base housing in a controlled manner, with the locking mechanism pre-positioned to engage with specific points on the coiled ribbons. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when extended, the ribbons maintain proper tension and alignment for stable operation.
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 provides a compact, lightweight, and easily deployable gun stand that enhances aiming accuracy by offering a stable resting surface, facilitating quick setup and takedown, and can be used for various devices, improving usability in field conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism can include a cam lock actuator
Implementation Method 2
The locking mechanism can comprise a biased locking mechanism having an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position
Implementation Method 3
Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable stand comprises a base, two ribbons, and a locking mechanism. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions have a curved cross-sectional shape positioned in opposing relation to each other. The locking mechanism is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position where the at least one ribbon is substantially inhibited from moving relative to the base in at least one direction. The locking mechanism can comprise an auto-locking member biased toward the locked position. The locking mechanism can further comprise a trigger mounted on the base and accessible by the user to move the auto-locking member to the unlocked position. Preferably, the retractable stand further includes a manual locking mechanism that can be manually selectively moved between unlocked and locked positions to selectively lock and unlock a position of at least one of the ribbons relative to the base.