Quick-Disconnect Sling Swivel With Dual-Button Lock Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-disconnect (QD) sling swivels for firearms are counterintuitive to operate, with the risk of inadvertent decoupling due to the inline actuation button and potential deformation of the sling loop, leading to insecure attachment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A QD sling swivel design featuring two perpendicular actuation buttons that allow for intuitive pinching to retract ball detents, providing a secure hold and minimizing the risk of inadvertent decoupling, with a close-ended machined loop for increased load-bearing capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inline push button is used to actuate ball detents, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to increased potential for inadvertent decoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The single push button is segmented into two separate actuation buttons positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows independent actuation control, where both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to release the ball detents, significantly reducing the risk of inadvertent decoupling while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The perpendicular positioning of the two actuation buttons creates a preliminary anti-action mechanism where accidental impacts or single-direction forces cannot trigger release. Both buttons must be deliberately pressed together in opposite directions, preventing unintended decoupling before it can occur
2Ease of operation
If the push button is positioned inline with the longitudinal axis, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to vulnerability to inadvertent impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation buttons are positioned asymmetrically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis rather than inline, creating a configuration where the release mechanism requires bilateral action. This asymmetric positioning makes the system inherently resistant to unidirectional impacts while maintaining ease of deliberate operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing a button in the same direction as the pull-out motion (inline), the buttons are positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, requiring actuation in directions opposite to each other. This inversion of the traditional inline button arrangement prevents accidental activation while preserving operational simplicity
3Ease of manufacture
If an open-ended wire form sling loop is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential deformation and failure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an open-ended wire form that can deform under load, the sling loop is inverted to a close-ended configuration where the ends are joined together. This closed-loop structure eliminates the deformation risk at the ends while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through welding or other joining methods
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 design enhances user intuition and security during attachment and detachment, reducing the risk of accidental decoupling and allowing for a stronger, more reliable sling swivel with improved load-bearing capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to push the plurality of ball detents outward
Implementation Method 2
a button configured to actuate the ball detents
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-disconnect (QD) sling swivel includes a main body receivable in a socket on a firearm, a locking mechanism coupled to the main body, and an actuation mechanism coupled to the locking mechanism and depressible in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the QD sling swivel. When the actuation mechanism is depressed, the locking mechanism is in a first position such that the main body is decouplable from and is freely movable in and out of the socket. When the at least one actuation button is not depressed with a portion of the main body received in the socket, the locking mechanism is in a second position such that the main body is interlockingly received in the socket with the locking mechanism engaged therewith.