Self-Stabilizing Bipod Inversion for Rifle Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm bipod designs are inherently unstable under the influence of gravity, causing the rifle to tilt and resulting in inaccurate bullet trajectories due to the central pivot point, which creates instability like an inverted pendulum, making it difficult to maintain a steady sight picture, especially at long ranges.
Innovation Solution
A firearm support assembly featuring a mounting ring that extends around the gun barrel with legs attached above the central axis, allowing the mount to rotate freely around a barrel shroud, providing a structurally stable triangle configuration that maintains the rifle's axis in a vertical plane, even on non-horizontal surfaces, and allowing for adjustable leg positions and swiveling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central pivot point is used to allow rifle tilting for trajectory adjustment, then the rifle can be adjusted for different shooting angles, but the rifle becomes inherently unstable under gravity like an inverted pendulum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional pivot location from the center/underside of the rifle to the forward end of the forestock. This inversion changes the pivot point's position relative to the rifle's center of gravity, transforming the unstable inverted pendulum configuration into a stable support configuration where the pivot is forward of the center of gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the support system by introducing a forward pivot point that works in conjunction with the rear support point, creating a two-point support system that stabilizes the rifle in both lateral and longitudinal directions, rather than relying on a single central pivot.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rifle is allowed to tilt to the sides for trajectory adjustment, then bullet trajectory can be modified, but the rifle tends to fall precipitously to one side requiring constant stabilizing forces
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the pivot point to the forward end of the forestock rather than the center, the patent creates a configuration where the rifle's weight naturally stabilizes the system, eliminating the need for the shooter to continuously apply stabilizing forces to prevent the rifle from falling to one side.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a forward pivot point is used, then inherent stability is achieved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into two distinct components: a forward pivot point for stability and a rear support point for balance. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the support system by positioning the pivot point at the forward end of the forestock, creating a two-point support system that provides stability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 support system maintains rifle stability under gravity, ensuring accurate bullet trajectories and easier target acquisition by distributing weight within a stable triangle, allowing the rifle to rotate freely without compromising stability, even on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
inherently stable under the influence of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a firearm support assembly comprises a mounting ring that is constructed and arranged to extend around a gun barrel and to be rotatably engaged with a portion of the firearm. The mounting ring defines a central axis. A plurality of legs are attached to the mounting ring at a location above the central axis, and each leg extends downwardly below the central axis.