Weapon Bipod Friction Lock and Self-Levelling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipods for projectile weapons face challenges in transitioning quickly between mobile and rigid states during shooting, often resulting in instability, misalignment, and increased operator movement, while also lacking effective shock and vibration isolation and modular attachment options.
Innovation Solution
The development of bipods that attach above the weapon's center of gravity for self-levelling, feature a friction lock mechanism for rapid state transitions, allow 3D movement, and incorporate modular attachment devices with interchangeable and shock-dampening legs, enabling quick deployment and retraction with minimal operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection between the weapon and the bipod legs is used, then stability during the execution of the shot is improved, but mobility of the weapon relative to the bipod is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod employs a dynamic locking mechanism that allows the connection between the weapon and bipod legs to transition between rigid and mobile states. During the execution of a shot, the locking mechanism engages to provide a rigid connection for stability. After the shot, the mechanism can be quickly disengaged to restore mobility for target acquisition and re-alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipod uses a locking mechanism that changes the mechanical parameter of connection rigidity. When locked, the connection becomes rigid to maximize stability during firing. When unlocked, the connection becomes flexible to maximize mobility for alignment. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a manually-operated mechanical lock is used to secure the moving parts, then stability during the execution of the shot is improved, but operator movement and time to operate the lock increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural forces of the shooting system. The recoil force and the weight of the weapon automatically engage the locking mechanism when the bipod is in the firing position, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service approach reduces operator movement and time while maintaining stability during the shot.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates feedback from the shooting conditions. When the weapon is fired, the recoil and positioning automatically trigger the lock to engage, providing feedback that the system is in the firing state. This feedback mechanism ensures the lock engages at the appropriate moment without requiring manual intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bipod is attached below the weapon's center of gravity, then stability is improved, but vertical misalignment of the optical axis and bore axis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the bipod below the center of gravity as is conventional, this invention inverts the attachment point to above the center of gravity. This inversion creates a self-levelling effect where the weight of the weapon naturally aligns the optical axis and bore axis vertically, eliminating misalignment while maintaining stability through the inverted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverted attachment point above the center of gravity creates a counterbalancing effect that opposes gravitational forces. The weight of the weapon acts through the inverted bipod structure to automatically level the weapon, counteracting the tendency for vertical misalignment that would occur with conventional below-center-of-gravity attachment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bipod legs are made interchangeable and modular, then adaptability to various shooting positions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bipod is segmented into modular components including interchangeable legs and a universal attachment mechanism. Each leg can be independently attached or detached, and legs can be exchanged to suit different shooting positions and requirements. This segmentation allows for high adaptability while managing complexity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipod employs universal attachment mechanisms that allow the same base structure to accommodate different leg configurations and shooting positions. The modular design enables a single bipod system to serve multiple functions across various shooting scenarios, from prone to standing positions, without requiring completely different devices for each application.
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
These bipods provide enhanced stability and precision by allowing rapid state transitions, minimizing misalignment, and reducing the impact of shocks and vibrations, while enabling easy attachment and detachment with improved mobility and adaptability to various shooting positions.
Implementation Method 1
the bracket frictionally engageable with the base to lock their relative movement
Implementation Method 2
incorporate modular attachment devices with interchangeable and shock-dampening legs, enabling quick deployment and retraction with minimal operator intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A bipod for supporting a projectile weapon is provided. The bipod comprises, for example, a bracket attachable to the projectile weapon, a first leg and a second leg pivotally attached to opposing ends of the bracket respectively, and a base attachable to the projectile weapon and pivotally couplable to the bracket at a joint located between the opposing ends of the bracket, the base having a fiction element at a surface of the base, the friction element frictionally engageable with the bracket so as to provide a friction lock between the base and the bipod retaining the projectile weapon in a desired orientation relative to the bipod.