Telescoping Strap-Mounted Article Support for Heavy Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy, elongated articles such as firearms, cameras, and telescopes are difficult to support when in use, particularly when the user is standing and holding them at the proximate end, necessitating a support device that can be secured to a carrying strap for immediate deployment and use.
Innovation Solution
A compact support device featuring a cradle with diverging arms and a resilient slip yoke portion for securing the article strap, combined with a lightweight, telescoping support shaft that can be extended for use and retracted for storage, allowing the device to be carried parallel to the article strap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a support device is designed to be compact and lightweight for portability, then it can be easily carried and stored, but it may lack the structural strength to support heavy articles
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft is designed as a telescoping structure with nested segments that can extend to provide full support length when needed and retract to a compact size for portability. This nesting principle allows the support device to achieve both structural adequacy for heavy articles and compact dimensions for easy carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device incorporates a telescoping mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the support shaft length. The shaft can be extended to full length when supporting heavy articles and collapsed to a compact size when not in use, enabling the device to adapt its structural characteristics based on operational requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the support shaft is extended to provide adequate support length, then it can support heavy articles effectively, but it increases the device volume when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft utilizes a telescoping design where multiple segments are nested within each other when retracted, minimizing the device volume during storage and transport. When deployment is required, the segments extend to provide the necessary full support length for heavy articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping support shaft provides dynamic length adjustment, transitioning from a compact retracted state for portability to an extended state for operational use. This dynamic capability allows the device to optimize its volume characteristics based on whether it is being stored or deployed.
3Strength
If the slip yoke wall is made from rigid material for structural strength, then it can maintain shape and support loads, but it cannot be deflected with manual pressure for strap insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The slip yoke wall incorporates a localized flexible region with perforations that allows manual deflection for strap insertion, while the rest of the structure maintains rigidity for structural strength. This local quality variation enables the wall to provide both structural support and operational flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip yoke wall material or structure is designed with varying mechanical properties - rigid in most areas for structural strength but with a specific flexible zone that can be deflected manually. This parameter change in material properties or structural characteristics allows the wall to serve dual functions of structural support and ease of operation.
4Volume of stationary object
If the cradle arms are positioned close together for compact design, then the device volume is reduced, but the open channel width is insufficient for receiving elongated articles
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle arms are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing the open channel width to dynamically adjust. When receiving elongated articles, the arms can spread apart to provide adequate width, and when not in use, they can be positioned closer together to minimize device volume.
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 support device effectively stabilizes heavy articles like rifles, cameras, and telescopes, providing a compact, lightweight accessory that eliminates the need for separate equipment, enabling rapid deployment and use by securing to the article's strap, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The slip yoke wall is preferably fashioned from a resilient, flexible material which can be deflected with manual pressure
Implementation Method 2
The support shaft is preferably light weight and is preferably comprised of telescoping members so that the support shaft may be extended for use and retracted into a small volume when not in use
Data Source
AI summary
An article support device includes a cradle and a support shaft. The cradle includes a cradle portion and a slip yoke portion. The cradle portion presents an open channel for receiving and supporting an article such as a fire arm, a camera or telescope. The slip yoke portion is enclosed by a slip yoke wall. The slip yoke wall perforated by a strap receiving slot for receiving into the slip yoke an article carrying strap. The support shaft is fixed to the cradle and is for supporting the cradle in an elevated position above the ground.