Spring-Loaded Locking Pin for Adjustable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional adjustable locking assemblies for securing items like firearms in holsters suffer from slop due to gear-based interference fits, requiring tight manufacturing tolerances that increase costs and complexity, and often require full removal of the secured tool for adjustment or rotation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable, spring-loaded locking assembly with a pivotable plate and locking pin system that uses a forward biasing member to secure the item, allowing for adjustable rotation with looser tolerances and simpler manufacturing, featuring a polygonal protrusion and interior/exterior teeth for angular interference fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gear-based interference fits with tight tolerances are used, then rotational stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a complex gear system and implements it through a simple pin-and-slot mechanism. The locking pin engages with a slot in the pistol grip, providing rotational stability without requiring tight-tolerance gear interference fits. This simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the locking mechanism from relying on precise dimensional parameters (tight tolerances) to relying on geometric engagement (pin in slot). The slot geometry and pin positioning provide the necessary rotational constraint without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thus reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If gear-based interference fits are used, then rotational stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex gear system entirely and replaces it with a simple locking pin that engages a slot. This extraction of the essential locking function eliminates unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining rotational stability through the pin-slot engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using interlocking gears that require precise meshing, the patent inverts the approach by using a pin that fits into a slot, where the slot geometry itself provides the rotational constraint. This inverted approach simplifies the mechanism while achieving the same functional result.
3Reliability
If traditional locking assemblies are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but adjustment requires full tool removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the locking pin can be easily disengaged and re-engaged at different positions along the slot. This allows the user to adjust the rotational angle by simply moving the pin to a different position, without requiring full removal of the tool. The slot provides multiple engagement positions for flexible adjustment while maintaining secure mounting.
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 secure, adjustable, and cost-effective mounting solutions with reduced manufacturing complexity and slop, allowing for quick angle adjustments without the need for full tool removal, while maintaining effective rotational resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a mounting apparatus for pivotably securing an item can include a central body defining a raised slot and an aperture on a front face and a locking assembly. The locking assembly can include a pivotable plate insertable within the raised slot of the central body and defining a locking slot and an item receptacle, a locking pin insertable through the aperture of the central body and towards the locking slot of the pivotable plate to limit rotation of the pivotable plate, and a forward biasing member providing a force to bias the locking pin towards the locking slot, wherein the item is coupled to the item receptacle to rotate with the pivotable plate.