Weapon Accessory Pivot Mechanism for Shock Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon mount systems for optical devices fail to adequately attenuate recoil shock without requiring significant space, introducing secondary modes, and suffering from high stresses, which can lead to damage and failure.
Innovation Solution
A shock attenuation device using a pivot mechanism that converts translational energy from recoil into rotational energy, allowing for effective shock absorption in a smaller space envelope by orienting flexures normal to the rail and utilizing pivots to provide rotational freedom, reducing stress and secondary modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If translational flexures are used to absorb shock energy, then shock attenuation is achieved, but the device requires a large space envelope and introduces undesirable secondary modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from translational flexure movement to rotational pivot movement, changing the dimension of motion from linear to angular. This dimensional change allows the shock attenuation mechanism to function within a compact space envelope while maintaining effective shock energy absorption through rotational degrees of freedom
2Reliability
If translational flexures are used to absorb shock energy, then shock attenuation is achieved, but high stresses cause failure and permanent distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows rotational movement to absorb shock energy, replacing the static translational flexure system. This dynamic approach distributes stress more effectively through controlled rotation, preventing the high localized stresses that cause failure in translational flexures
3Reliability
If more shock attenuation is provided, then protection for delicate optics is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of motion from translational to rotational, enabling superior shock attenuation for delicate optics through a simpler pivot-based mechanism. This parameter change achieves enhanced protection without increasing device complexity, as the pivot mechanism is inherently more compact and easier to implement than complex translational flexure systems
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 pivot mechanism reduces recoil-induced acceleration by up to 50% and provides enhanced protection for delicate optics by allowing greater displacement within a compact space, avoiding high stress and secondary mode issues, thus achieving superior shock attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy
Implementation Method 2
The flexures provide a pure translational movement oriented along the rail
Implementation Method 3
utilizing pivots to provide rotational freedom, reducing stress and secondary modes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a weapon accessory mounting device to attach to a projectile firing weapon is disclosed. A flexure for receiving a body of the weapon accessory is formed. A pivot portion is formed at a first end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a first attachment region. A second attachment portion is formed at a second end of the flexure to attach the flexure to the weapon at a second attachment region. A first aperture is formed in the pivot portion configured to receive a pivot pin. A second aperture in the weapon accessory body receives the pivot pin at a weapon accessory body first end to attach the weapon accessory body first end to the pivot portion. The pivot portion is configured to convert at least a portion of energy of a weapon shock recoil from translational energy to rotational energy.