Self-Adjusting Rail Clamp With Scroll Gear for Flat Stable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dovetail rail mounting systems face issues with securely holding different-sized rails due to the need for bolts/screws that prevent flat mounting and require spring washers for adjustment, leading to a loose fit and instability.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting clamp system with a compressible cam lever and scroll gear assembly that allows jaws to adjust to various rail sizes without bolts/screws, using a reversible lug for secure attachment to different rail types, ensuring snug and stable mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bolt/screw runs in between the sliding jaws to hold the rail, then the mounting platform can be attached to the rail, but the NATO Accessory rail cannot rest flat against the mounting platform surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bolt/screw from between the sliding jaws, extracting the problematic element that prevented flat mounting. Instead, the clamp uses the scroll gear mechanism to directly position and hold the jaws against the rail, allowing the mounting platform to rest flat against the rail surface while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring washers are added to the bolt/screw to enable holding different-sized rails, then the clamp can accommodate various rail sizes, but the fit becomes loose and the mounted item becomes unsteady
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is self-adjusting through the scroll gear system. As the jaws close onto the rail, the scroll gear automatically positions the jaws to match the rail width, eliminating the need for spring washers or manual adjustment. This self-service mechanism ensures a snug, stable fit for different rail sizes without compromising mounted item stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the clamping system by using a scroll gear mechanism that allows continuous adjustment of jaw position. This enables the jaws to adapt to different rail widths and heights, providing a secure fit for various rail sizes while maintaining reliability through precise mechanical positioning rather than loose spring washer adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of jaws are used to accommodate different rail sizes, then the clamp can hold both large and small rails, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic jaws that can change their configuration through the scroll gear mechanism. The single set of jaws is designed to adapt its clamping geometry dynamically as the scroll gear rotates, allowing the same physical jaws to securely hold both large ARCA SWISS rails and smaller Picatinny/NATO rails without requiring multiple fixed jaw sets.
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 clamp system securely holds multiple-sized rails, including ARCA SWISS, Picatinny, and NATO Accessory rails, providing a stable and adjustable solution without the need for additional fasteners, ensuring the mounted items are steady and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
the lever may be compressible thereby providing a spring force that can enable the jaws of the clamp to self-adjust to different-sized rails while still holding the different-sized rails snugly. For example, when the lever is compressed and then released, elastic force may return the compressible cam lever back to its original position creating a spring force that pushes outward from the compressible cam lever.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a clamp that can be attached to a tripod or other piece of equipment and which can hold rails for firearms, sights, scopes, parts, and the like, therein. The clamp is self-adjusting due to a compressible cam lever that enables an amount of give or play when clamping onto a rail or other object. The clamp also includes a scroll gear assembly that enables the compressible cam lever to drive opposing jaw plates toward and away from each other thereby clamping and releasing rails and other objects.