Spring-Loaded Bipod for Single-Handed Leg Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipod designs require the shooter to remove the firearm from their shoulder to deploy and adjust the legs, which can be critical time-consuming and exposes the shooter to risk, especially when targeting moving or concealed subjects, and often feature complex actuation mechanisms that are not ergonomically designed for easy use.
Innovation Solution
A bipod with a rail system and carriages that allow for single-handed adjustment of leg angle and position, including a locking mechanism to secure the rail, enabling the shooter to lower their body and adjust the firearm's pivot point without raising the proximal end, thus reducing exposure and simplifying leg extension and locking processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bipod designs are used, then the legs can be extended and locked, but the shooter must remove the firearm from their shoulder to deploy and adjust the legs
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod system uses spring-loaded legs that automatically extend and lock into position when the shooter applies downward pressure during normal shoulder positioning. The system serves itself by converting the shooter's natural body movement into the deployment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual deployment actions while maintaining on-shoulder positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipod transitions from a static, manually-deployed device to a dynamic system that responds to the shooter's movements. The spring-loaded mechanism allows the legs to automatically adjust and lock based on the shooter's body position and weight distribution, enabling real-time adaptation without removing the firearm from the shoulder.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bipod designs are used, then the legs can be extended, but the shooter's exposure increases when adjusting the firearm's pivot point
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts the pivot point position based on the shooter's body mechanics and terrain conditions. The spring-loaded mechanism and adjustable rail system work together to reposition the bipod along the rail without requiring the shooter to manually reach forward or raise the firearm, keeping the shooter's body low and concealed throughout the adjustment process.
3Reliability
If complex actuation mechanisms are used, then the legs can be locked in position, but the mechanism is not ergonomically designed for easy use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the shooter applies downward pressure on the bipod during normal positioning. The spring-loaded system self-actuates the locking mechanism through the shooter's natural body movement, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions and improving ergonomic accessibility while maintaining reliable locking.
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
Enables the shooter to maintain a stable position while reducing exposure by allowing single-handed adjustment of the bipod, minimizing the need to lift the firearm and improving ergonomic actuation, thus enhancing shooting accuracy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The leg extensions utilize a spring-loaded collar that is pulled downward along the axis of the leg to release and pull the leg extensions into position
Implementation Method 2
The legs have feet or caps on their ends made of rubber that when set on a surface provide a grip and added stability in order to steady the firearm for a shot
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stabilizing a device includes a rail, a first carriage, a second carriage, a first leg housing, and a first linking member. The rail is configured for attachment to the device and includes a length extending from a distal end and a proximal end. The first carriage is configured to slidably receive the rail. The second carriage is configured to slidably receive the rail. The first leg housing includes a first upper end pivotally coupled with a first portion of the first carriage and a first mount disposed distal to the first upper end. The first linking member includes a first distal end pivotally coupled with the first mount and a first proximal end pivotally coupled with a first portion of the second carriage.