Weapons Support Boom with Angled Cable Exit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for weapons systems, such as the Easyrig 3 Cinema, are unsuitable for firearms due to issues like cable failure, bulkiness, difficulty in maintenance, inadequate attachment mechanisms, and inability to support high-powered weapons systems, which hinder long-term operation and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a frame connected to the wearer's spine, featuring a cable reel mechanism with dual shock absorbers for redundancy, an angled boom to prevent cable rubbing, and a quick-release mechanism for easy weapon detachment, allowing for efficient weight transfer and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a boom with a downward facing exit aperture is used to support the weapons system, then the cable can support the weight, but the cable will rub on the boom at the exit aperture causing potential cable failure
Solution Approach 1:
The exit aperture is repositioned from a downward facing position to a rearward facing position on the boom. This asymmetric repositioning changes the cable's path so it exits horizontally toward the rear rather than vertically downward, eliminating the rubbing contact that caused friction and potential failure at the original exit point.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable guide or pulley system is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable and the boom structure. This intermediary redirects the cable's path around the boom's rearward facing aperture, ensuring the cable does not contact or rub against the boom while still providing structural support.
2Strength
If a large and bulky boom is used to support the weapons system, then the support structure is robust, but it presents too much profile if pointed towards an enemy position
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure is divided into multiple segments or modular components that can be collapsed or reconfigured. This segmentation allows the boom to maintain full strength when extended for weapon support while being able to collapse into a compact, low-profile configuration when not in use, reducing the visible silhouette from enemy positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom transitions from a static, always-visible structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. It can be extended and locked into position when weapon support is needed, and collapsed or retracted when not in use, allowing the system to adapt its profile based on operational requirements and threat levels.
3Reliability
If the boom is enclosed to protect internal components, then the components are protected, but it becomes extremely difficult for the wearer to access the boom's internal components for maintenance or repair
Solution Approach 1:
Access panels or removable covers are extracted from the enclosed boom structure, creating designated openings that allow wearers to access internal components for maintenance and repair. These access points can be sealed when not in use to maintain protection, but opened when service is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom is designed with pre-positioned access points and modular component arrangements that anticipate future maintenance needs. Critical components are arranged in easily accessible locations within the enclosed structure, and access panels are pre-placed at optimal positions for field maintenance without compromising the overall enclosed protection.
4Device complexity
If a single shock absorber is used to hold the majority of the weight, then the structure is simpler, but there is no redundancy if the shock absorber fails
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the support system are assigned different functions: the cable provides primary tensile support, while dual shock absorbers provide secondary support and damping. This local differentiation of support roles creates redundancy without requiring complete duplication of the entire shock absorber system.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual shock absorber system acts as a pre-configured backup cushioning system. If one shock absorber fails, the other is already in place to immediately take over the damping function, preventing sudden loss of support. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures continuous protection without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld-camera specific attachment mechanism is used, then the attachment works for cameras, but it does not adequately support a weapons system and cannot be quickly released
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate both camera equipment and weapons systems. Quick-release levers and standardized mounting points allow the same attachment system to securely hold different types of equipment, providing both versatility and adequate support for high-powered weapons.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static, fixed-configuration system to a dynamic, adjustable system with quick-release capabilities. The quick-release levers and adjustable mounting positions allow operators to rapidly attach and detach weapons systems or cameras as needed, providing both secure support during use and rapid separation when required for safety or operational changes.
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
Enables prolonged and accurate operation of weapons systems by distributing weight effectively, allowing for recoil management and easy maintenance, while accommodating various weapon configurations and positions.
Implementation Method 1
The cable reel mechanism includes a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable, such that tension on the cable provides support for the weapons system
Implementation Method 2
The cable reel mechanism includes a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable... The support structure includes a frame adapted for connection to a wearer, the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a weapons system has a frame adapted for connection to a wearer, the frame having an elongated first portion defining a frame axis and adapted for positioning adjacent to the spine of the wearer, the frame having an upper end, a boom connected to the upper end of the frame and having a first boom portion extending away from the frame, and a second boom portion angled with respect to the first boom portion and extending away from the frame axis, the boom having a free end, a cable reel mechanism connected to the frame, a cable having a first end connected to the cable reel mechanism and a free end extending from the free end of the boom and adapted to connect to the weapons system, and the cable reel mechanism including a biasing facility to exert tension on the cable to provide support for the weapons system.