Snap-Lock Upper Saddle for Secure Heavy Barrel Weapon Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon storage systems face challenges in securely holding heavy, high-caliber barrels, such as those of machine guns, while allowing for fast and easy access to the firearm, as existing solutions like elastic cords do not provide a reliable locking mechanism for larger or heavier barrels.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a U-shaped upper saddle with a pair of snap locks, either rollers or rotating locks, spring biased to move apart and capture the barrel securely, ensuring the barrel is locked in place once inserted, utilizing a combination of spring elements and elastic bands for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic cords are used to secure the barrel, then the storage system is simple and easy to operate, but the reliability of securing heavy or large-caliber barrels is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The snap locks are designed to dynamically change position between open and closed states. The spring mechanism allows the snap locks to automatically move apart when the barrel is inserted and then snap back to the closed position to secure the barrel, providing adaptive securing force that responds to the barrel's presence and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the snap locks (which provide the locking action), the springs (which provide the biasing force), and the U-shaped opening (which guides and positions the barrel). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to solve the reliability-complexity contradiction.
2Productivity
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the barrel is held firmly, but the speed of insertion and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The springs are pre-loaded to store potential energy, and the snap locks are pre-positioned in an open state ready to receive the barrel. When the barrel is inserted, the stored energy is immediately released to snap the locks into place, eliminating the need for manual locking actions and enabling rapid securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses dynamic snap-action locking where the snap locks rapidly transition from open to closed position during barrel insertion. This dynamic action allows the barrel to be secured quickly through a single insertion motion, maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable retention through the positive snap lock engagement.
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
This solution allows for quick and secure insertion and removal of barrels, effectively securing even heavy or large-caliber weapons by ensuring the snap locks capture the barrel securely once it is inserted, maintaining the barrel's position within the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rollers or a rotating locks spring biased by a spring or a band to at least a spring biased open or a spring biased closed position
Implementation Method 2
The pair of rotating locks can be mechanically coupled together by an elastic element. Without the barrel snapped in, the elastic element spring can bias each of the rotational locks into a rotational position
Implementation Method 3
A combination of a cam action and the elastic element can cause the pair of rotating locks to spring bias towards a barrel capture position
Data Source
AI summary
An upper saddle of a weapon storage rack for securing a barrel of a firearm includes an upper saddle body with an about U-shaped opening adapted to accept the barrel of the firearm. A pair of snap locks is disposed in or on the upper saddle, the pair of snap locks includes a left snap lock and a right snap lock. The pair of snap locks includes a pair of rollers or a rotating locks spring biased by a spring or a band to at least a spring biased open or a spring biased closed position.