Spring-Deployed Bipod for Lightweight Machine Gun
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipods for light-weight machine guns are cumbersome, require complex deployment mechanisms, and are not suitable for rugged military environments due to reliability issues and interference from dirt or damage, making them difficult to use and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A bipod with spring-based telescoping legs that can be deployed with one hand, featuring improved pivot pins and a yoke attachment system with a compression spring for stability and ease of use, along with larger feet for better ground engagement and incremental telescoping for adjustable length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex telescoping and folding mechanisms are used in bipods, then adaptability and stability are improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod is divided into separate functional segments: a body portion that attaches to the firearm, leg portions that provide support, and a spring mechanism that enables deployment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based mechanism automatically deploys the leg portions when the bipod is attached to the firearm, eliminating the need for manual operation. The system serves itself by using the attachment action to trigger deployment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If manual deployment of bipod legs is required, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded and positioned to automatically deploy the leg portions when the bipod is attached to the firearm. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate manual deployment actions, making operation as simple as attaching the device while maintaining reliable support.
3Ease of operation
If frictional locking mechanisms are used in telescoping legs, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in rugged environments
Solution Approach 1:
The design removes frictional locking mechanisms entirely from the telescoping leg system. Instead, the legs maintain their position through the mechanical advantage of the telescoping structure and the stability provided by the spring-based deployment system, eliminating the reliability issues associated with friction locks in dirty or damaged conditions.
4Device complexity
If bipod legs are deployed separately, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism combines the deployment of both leg portions into a single action. When the bipod is attached to the firearm, the spring simultaneously propels both legs into their support positions, eliminating the need for separate deployment actions and reducing the time required to establish stable support.
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 bipod provides enhanced stability, ease of deployment, and durability, allowing for quick setup and operation in challenging conditions while maintaining accuracy and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention has two legs that are connected by spring-based system that allows the legs to be deployed from a stowed position by applying pressure to just one leg.
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,627, issued to Kaempe, while a significant improvement over the prior art, also suffers in the rugged environment of use. Certain parts loosen or break, such as the e-clip, or become clogged with dirt or sand making the deployment of the legs of the bipod difficult.
Data Source
AI summary
A bipod for a light-weight machine gun is disclosed. The bipod has tubular telescoping legs with large ground-engaging feet that may be extended and retracted to discreet locking positions. The bipod has a spring-based system that allows a user to pivot the bipod legs about cylinder-in-a-cylinder pivot pins, either towards or away from the barrel muzzle with one hand, thus giving 180 degrees of travel. The bipod is attachable to a machine gun with a round yoke using a stepped screw and compression spring that assures yoke remains tightly secured to body, but rotatable for traversing, during extended use.