Weapon Support Stirrup with Elastic Torque and Hook Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supports for individual weapons on military vehicles are complex, prone to breakdowns due to electrical equipment, and poorly suited for orientations other than vertical, lacking a simple and reliable mechanism for maintaining weapons in various positions.
Innovation Solution
A support system featuring a stirrup with pivot axes secured to a surface, utilizing elastic return means to apply torque, and a stop with a hook mechanism to secure the weapon in place, allowing easy one-handed operation and adaptation to different orientations, including horizontal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical locking collars are used to secure the weapon vertically, then the weapon can be securely held in a fixed position, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to electrical equipment prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical locking collar system with a purely mechanical solution consisting of a stirrup, pivot axis, elastic return means, and stop with lug. The elastic return means provides automatic weapon engagement through torque, and the mechanical stop with lug prevents withdrawal, eliminating all electrical components while maintaining secure weapon holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return means automatically engages the weapon when placed on the support, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The system self-regulates through the elastic torque that automatically secures the weapon in position without requiring electrical activation or manual intervention
2Reliability
If the support is designed for vertical weapon storage only, then the weapon can be securely held in one orientation, but the adaptability to different orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stirrup is designed to pivot around a horizontal axis, allowing dynamic adjustment between vertical and horizontal storage orientations. The elastic return means continuously provides torque to maintain weapon engagement regardless of orientation, while the stop with lug adapts to prevent withdrawal in any position, enabling versatile multi-orientation storage capability
3Device complexity
If a simple pivot mechanism is used without elastic return means, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain weapon position and prevent accidental withdrawal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means acts as a counterbalancing force that continuously applies torque to the stirrup, preventing accidental weapon withdrawal by opposing gravitational and inertial forces. This simple elastic mechanism provides reliable position stability without adding complex locking systems or multiple components
4Ease of operation
If the stop is positioned far from the stirrup, then the weapon has more clearance for insertion, but the effectiveness of the stop in preventing weapon withdrawal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stop incorporates a lug that extends perpendicular to the pivot axis, creating a three-dimensional hook-shaped engagement. This dimensional extension allows the stop to be positioned at an optimal distance for easy weapon insertion while the perpendicular lug geometry ensures effective prevention of weapon withdrawal in the longitudinal direction
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 simple, reliable, and adaptable mechanism for securing weapons in various orientations, ensuring easy installation and removal while preventing accidental withdrawal, even on inclined or vertical surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return means which applies a torque causing the stirrup to pivot relative to the surface and around the pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
an elastic return means which applies a torque causing the stirrup to pivot relative to the surface
Implementation Method 3
the hook having an inclined plane which has the effect of moving the weapon away from the surface under the effect of the torque transmitted by the stirrup
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a support (1) for an individual weapon (100) fixed to a surface (200), and comprising a stirrup (2) having at least two bearing zones (3a, 3b) between which the weapon (100) is placed. The stirrup (2) is fixed to the surface (200) by means of a pivot axis (4). The support (1) includes an elastic return means (5) that applies a torque causing the stirrup (2) to pivot relative to the surface (200) and around the pivot axis (4). The bearing zones (3a, 3b) transmit the torque to the weapon (100). The support (1) also includes a stop (6) fixed to the surface (200) and positioned at a distance from the stirrup (2), stop (6) having a lug (7) opposing the withdrawal of the weapon (100), stop (6) and its lug (7) forming a hook (6) having an inclined plane (11) which has the effect of moving the weapon (100) away from the surface (200) under the effect of the torque transmitted by the stirrup (2).