Telescoping Leg Lock Mechanism for Quick Bipod Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bipods have limited height adjustability, are cumbersome to adjust and lock, and may not provide a level support surface on uneven ground, making them impractical for various use scenarios, especially when the user needs to move the supported object quickly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bipod with self-locking telescopic legs that can be easily extended or retracted to various heights, featuring a lock mechanism with a plug and ramp design that inhibits unintentional retraction and allows quick attachment and detachment, and a torso that allows the legs to rotate for leveling and easy object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bipods use fixed or simple telescoping legs, then the structure is simple, but the height adjustability is limited and locking is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded plugs that automatically engage with detent features on the telescoping legs. The springs provide automatic locking when legs are extended and unlatching when compressed, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and enabling quick height adjustments without complex user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic adjustable positions. The telescoping legs can be freely extended and retracted, then locked at any desired position using the spring-loaded plug system, providing continuous height adjustability rather than discrete fixed positions
2Reliability
If conventional bipods use simple locking mechanisms, then the device is easy to operate, but unintentional retraction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded plugs are pre-loaded in a biased state that automatically engages with detent features on the telescoping legs. This preliminary positioning ensures that as soon as the legs reach any extended position, the plugs automatically lock them, preventing unintentional retraction without requiring user action to maintain the locked state
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded plugs act as intermediary elements between the telescoping leg sections. These plugs transmit and maintain the locking force, serving as a mediator that ensures reliable engagement while allowing smooth extension and retraction motion during adjustment
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bipods have fixed leg lengths, then the structure is stable, but the bipod cannot adapt to uneven ground or different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod legs transition from fixed to dynamically adjustable lengths. The telescoping design with spring-loaded locking mechanisms allows the legs to be extended or retracted to any position within their range, enabling adaptation to various terrain conditions and height requirements while maintaining structural stability when locked
Solution Approach 2:
The legs are divided into multiple telescoping sections that can independently adjust their lengths. This segmentation allows each leg to be customized to the specific terrain conditions, enabling the bipod to maintain stability on uneven ground by adjusting individual leg lengths to compensate for height variations
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 adjustable bipod provides a versatile solution for maintaining a stable and level support surface across different terrains and positions, allowing for quick adjustments and easy movement with the supported object, enhancing usability in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to exert a force on the plug to push the plug towards the ramp end
Implementation Method 2
one or more bearings configured to roll along the ramp
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure may include a leg comprising first and second tubes, the first tube inside of the second tube, a lock mechanism within the second tube, the lock mechanism including a plug, a ramp, and bearings configured to roll along the ramp and contact the ramp and at least an interior wall of the first tube such that as the one or more bearings contact the ramp and the interior wall of the first tube, motion of the second tube relative to the first tube is inhibited, and a third tube inside of the second tube, and in response to the third tube being substantially disposed within the second tube, a proximate end of the third tube configured to push the one or more bearings towards the plug, reducing the interference of the one or more bearings with the interior wall of the first tube.