Universal Accessory Mount for Machine Guns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine gun accessory mounts are not universally compatible with various models, including those with ballistic shields or quick change barrels, and often obstruct the gunner's view due to improper mounting of spotlight accessories.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, robust accessory mount with a holding mechanism that securely attaches to different gun shroud patterns and accommodates quick change barrels, featuring adjustable tines and mounting rails for versatile accessory placement, including below the barrel to prevent 'whiteout' obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If accessory mounts are designed to be lightweight, then portability is improved, but structural strength and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining aluminum alloy components (base, mounting arm) with steel fasteners and mounting rails. This composite approach achieves optimal balance between weight reduction and structural strength, allowing the mount to withstand heavy machine gun recoil and vibration while maintaining portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory mounts are designed for universal compatibility with various gun models, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal compatibility through a standardized mounting interface system featuring multiple hole patterns on the base that accommodate different gun shroud configurations. The mounting arm incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms and multiple attachment points, enabling the same mount design to interface with various machine gun models including M2HB, M2, and M60 without requiring model-specific customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is divided into separable components (base, mounting arm, accessory interface) that can be independently configured. The base features multiple pre-drilled hole patterns for different gun models, while the mounting arm can be positioned at various angles and secured at different locations, allowing modular adaptation to different gun configurations without redesigning the entire assembly.
3Ease of operation
If spotlight accessories are mounted at traditional positions, then ease of mounting is improved, but gunner's view deteriorates due to whiteout obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the spotlight mounting position from traditional lateral or top positions to a location on the mounting arm that positions the light source below the barrel axis. This dimensional repositioning in the vertical plane eliminates the whiteout effect where light reflects off barrel-generated smoke to obstruct the gunner's view, while the adjustable mounting mechanism maintains ease of installation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A accessory mount (500) for a gun (502), such as a machine gun, can include a base (508) configured for attachment of the accessory mount (500) to the gun mount (504) of said gun (502), a holding mechanism (24) for fixing the position of the base in relation to the gun mount, and an elongated accessory mounting arm (206) coupled to the base (508) and extending forwardly therefrom, the arm comprising a beam having a vertical web (208) with at least one flange (210) disposed at an upper and/or a lower end thereof.