Telescoping Leg Lock Mechanism to Prevent Unintentional Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bipods have limited height ranges, making them inadequate for various use scenarios, and often require cumbersome adjustments and detaching/reattaching processes, especially on uneven ground, which hinders mobility and efficiency.
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 system to prevent unintentional retraction, allowing quick attachment and detachment, and a torso that enables level support and rotation of supported objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bipods use fixed height design, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different use scenarios is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements telescoping legs where inner tubes are nested within outer tubes, allowing the bipod to extend to multiple height positions. The lock mechanism with plug and ramp components is nested within the telescoping structure, enabling height adjustment while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipod transitions from a static fixed-height design to a dynamic adjustable-height design. The telescoping legs can extend and retract to various positions, and the lock mechanism allows quick transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to different terrain and usage requirements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional bipods require detaching and reattaching for adjustment, then structural integrity is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be operated by the user through simple manual manipulation of the plug. When the plug is moved along the ramp, it automatically engages or disengages the locking position, allowing the user to adjust heights without requiring tools or complex procedures. The mechanism serves itself by using the ramp geometry to convert simple plug movement into secure locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is pre-configured with specific geometric angles and surfaces that guide the plug into the correct locking position. This preliminary design of the ramp geometry ensures that when the plug is moved, it automatically engages the lock at the predetermined position, eliminating the need for additional adjustment steps or user judgment during operation.
3Reliability
If conventional bipods lack locking mechanisms, then structure is simple, but stability on uneven ground is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp's inclined surface, which could potentially allow the plug to slip under load, is instead designed to create a self-locking effect. When the plug is pushed against the ramp, the geometry converts the applied force into a locking action that secures the telescoping leg in position. The same ramp that could allow movement is designed to prevent unwanted movement through its angular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp has an asymmetric geometry with different angles on its surfaces. One side of the ramp is designed to allow easy insertion of the plug, while the other side creates a mechanical advantage for locking. This asymmetric design ensures that the locking mechanism is easy to operate in one direction while providing strong resistance to reverse motion, enhancing reliability without requiring complex components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping legs allow free movement, then adjustability is high, but unintentional retraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to counteract the natural tendency of the telescoping leg to retract under load. The ramp and plug create a preliminary locking action that prevents unintentional movement before it can occur. By positioning the lock to engage proactively, the system anticipates and prevents the harmful retraction motion rather than relying on reactive measures.
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 height range, ensures a level support surface, facilitates quick attachment and detachment, and enhances mobility by allowing easy transportation with supported objects, addressing the limitations of conventional bipods.
Implementation Method 1
As the one or more bearings contact the ramp and the interior wall of the first tube, interference of the one or more bearings with the interior wall of the first tube may substantially inhibit motion of the second tube relative to the first tube
Implementation Method 2
one or more bearings configured to roll along the ramp and sized to contact the ramp and at least an interior wall of the first tube
Implementation Method 3
the proximate end of the third tube may 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
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.