Throw Lever Cam Mechanism for Firearm Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current throw levers used for securing firearm accessories are hazardous due to their obtrusive handle portion, which can snag on clothing or materials, leading to accidental release of the accessory.
Innovation Solution
A throw lever assembly with a cam mechanism and a selectively lockable handle portion that can be moved from an unlocked to a locked position, reducing the profile of the handle to prevent snagging and providing enhanced leverage for secure attachment and release of accessories without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional throw lever with an extended handle portion is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the handle portion becomes obtrusive and can snag on clothing or materials causing accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The handle portion is made movable relative to the cam mechanism, allowing it to transition between an extended operational position and a retracted safe position. This dynamic configuration enables the handle to provide leverage when needed while minimizing snagging hazards during storage or movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion is designed to move along a rotational path around the cam mechanism, changing its spatial dimension from an extended linear profile to a compact circular profile when retracted. This dimensional change allows the handle to maintain functionality while reducing its obtrusive profile.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the handle portion is made shorter to reduce snagging risk, then safety is improved, but leverage and locking ability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle portion's ability to extend dynamically provides sufficient leverage for secure attachment and release operations, while its retracted position minimizes snagging hazards. This dynamic extension resolves the contradiction between safety and locking ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion is positioned in an extended configuration during the attachment and release operations where leverage is needed, then retracted to a minimal profile during storage or movement. This preliminary positioning ensures adequate leverage is available when required without compromising safety during other phases.
3Reliability
If the handle portion is made more obtrusive to provide better leverage, then locking ability is improved, but the risk of accidental release through snagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle portion dynamically adjusts its profile from extended to retracted, providing adequate leverage for secure locking operations when needed while minimizing the obtrusive profile that causes snagging hazards during storage or movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion transitions between dimensional states, extending along a radial path from the cam mechanism to provide leverage, then retracting to a compact circular profile that minimizes obtrusiveness and reduces the risk of accidental snagging and release.
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 solution provides a safer and more secure attachment mechanism that is less obtrusive, reducing the risk of accidental release and allowing for easy operation with enhanced locking ability.
Implementation Method 1
Within the cam bed resides the cam. The cam is typically circular or semicircular in shape and rotates on the cam bed during operation of the throw lever (either fasten or release the assembly to the firearm) by a pinching action.
Implementation Method 2
The handle portion is manually and selectively locked to the cam providing selective engagement and operation and also for enhanced leverage operating on the cam.
Data Source
AI summary
A throw lever assembly used to secure an accessory such as a sight or a flashlight to a firearm. The throw lever assembly includes a base unit having a cam bed wherein the cam resides. An engagement rod, connected to the cam, extends through the base unit to an anchor clamp used to clamp the entire assembly to a firearm. A handle portion is manually locked to the cam so that when locked to the cam mechanism, the lever allows the operator to manually rotate the cam to force movement of the engagement rod to tighten or release the assembly from the firearm. In one embodiment, the handle portion is secured to an arm extending from the cam.