Retractable Gun Stand Tape Spring Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun supports, such as tripods and bipods, are often cumbersome and difficult to quickly deploy, which can hinder the accuracy and speed of aiming a gun during shooting.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stand with a base and two ribbons, each having a coiled and uncoiled portion, where the uncoiled portions are curved and opposing, allowing for quick extension and secure positioning of a gun or device, facilitated by a foot brace and a tape spring mechanism for easy deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional gun supports (tripods, bipods) are used, then stable support is achieved, but deployment speed and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into two functional parts: a base portion and a support portion connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the support portion to be quickly deployed and retracted without manipulating multiple legs or complex mechanisms, directly improving deployment speed while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion is designed to nest within or alongside the base when retracted, creating a compact stored configuration. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate storage containers and reduces overall device complexity while enabling rapid deployment when needed.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional gun supports are used, then support stability is achieved, but portability and weight deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection enables the support portion to dynamically adjust between deployed and retracted positions. When deployed, it provides stable support; when retracted, it minimizes weight and bulk for portability. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between stability during use and weight reduction for transport.
3Speed
If quick deployment is implemented, then deployment speed improves, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved surface on the support portion complements the corresponding curved surface on the base, creating a stable arc-shaped support configuration when deployed. This curved geometry provides inherent structural stability while requiring minimal adjustment for deployment, maintaining both speed and reliability.
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 retractable stand provides a compact, lightweight, and easily deployable solution that enhances aiming accuracy by allowing for quick and stable support of guns or devices, with the ability to adjust height without needing to push down on the foot brace, and automatically retracts for storage.
Implementation Method 1
facilitated by a foot brace and a tape spring mechanism for easy deployment and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable stand comprises a base and two ribbons. Each ribbon has a coiled portion and an uncoiled portion. The uncoiled portions of the ribbons have a curved cross-sectional shape and are positioned in opposing relation to each other. Preferably, the curved cross-sectional shape of each uncoiled portion defines a convex surface and a concave surface, and the convex surfaces are in facing relation to each other. In one embodiment, the retractable stand further comprises a foot brace secured to free ends of the ribbons. Preferably, the foot brace includes an arm movable relative to the ribbons. The present invention further provides a method of supporting a device above a surface using the above retractable stand. The method includes uncoiling the two ribbons, resting the brace on the surface, and supporting the device on the retractable stand. Preferably, the step of uncoiling includes moving the brace away from the base.