Weapon Accessory Mount with Integrated Clamping Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounts for sights and lighting devices on small arms are complex and require multiple components, which can be prone to damage and contamination, and often necessitate readjustment due to component tolerances.

Innovation Solution

A simple holder design utilizing a clamping lever with solid spring properties, integrated into the base body, which provides a form-fitting connection to the rail, minimizing components and weight, and featuring a sliding plate to prevent wear and facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mounts with separate springs and clamping levers are used, then the mount can compensate for rail tolerances, but the device complexity increases and more components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetolerance compensationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring element and clamping lever into a single integrated component. The clamping lever itself is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to function as both the clamping mechanism and the spring that compensates for rail tolerances. This merging eliminates the need for separate spring and lever components, reducing device complexity while maintaining tolerance compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping lever is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the clamping force to secure the device to the rail, acts as the spring element to compensate for tolerances, and serves as the mechanical link between the device and rail. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining reliable tolerance compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple components are used in the mount, then the mount can provide robust functionality, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemount functionalityVSAvoidmount weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the spring and clamping lever into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be assembled. This consolidation maintains the robust functionality required for reliable mounting while reducing the cumulative weight that would result from multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional clamping mechanisms are used, then the mount can secure devices firmly, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring firmnessVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the spring and clamping lever into a single component simplifies the assembly process. The elastic clamping lever can be directly inserted and positioned on the rail, eliminating the need to assemble separate spring and lever components. This maintains firm securing capability while significantly easing assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Force

If the clamping lever presses directly on the rail, then the connection is strong, but wear on the rail and lever increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidwear
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sliding plate as an intermediary element between the clamping lever and the rail. The sliding plate contacts the rail instead of the lever directly, distributing the clamping force and reducing point-contact wear. This intermediary component protects both the rail and lever from excessive wear while maintaining strong clamping connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 offers a robust, lightweight, and low-maintenance mount that compensates for rail tolerances without external springs, is insensitive to dirt, and allows for universal compatibility with various rail standards, reducing the need for readjustment and minimizing wear on the rail and lever.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping lever is shaped in such a way that swiveling causes the bracket to be fixed to the rail. Furthermore, the clamping lever is preferably symmetrically shaped so that pivoting in either direction, i.e. clockwise or counter-clockwise, tightens the bracket.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3303979B1Mount for accessories on hand-held weapons
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 RHEINMETALL SOLDIER ELECTRONICS
  • EP3303979B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3303979B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3303979B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7a

AI summary

A mount (10) for accessories of a weapon is proposed, having at least one mounting rail (8) or at least one mounting-like depression, which is fastened to the weapon by means of an interlocking connection. The connection takes place by a clamping lever (3) that is incorporated in the mount (10) and has an integrated solid spring. The clamping lever (3) is formed by the clamping lever head, which is divided into an upper part (32) and a lower part (33), wherein a clamping lever groove (34) and clamping lever flanks (35) form the solid spring. The material of the clamping lever (3) determines the size/force of the solid spring. The property of the solid spring is realized by the clamping lever groove (34). The mount (10) comprises a main body (6) for receiving a spindle (1), a cup spring (2), the clamping lever (3) and a journal (7). Incorporated between the main body (6) and the clamping lever (3) is a sliding plate (5), which is functionally connected to the clamping lever (3) by way of a straight pin (4). The clamping lever (3) is preferably symmetrical.