Automatic Adjustable Buttstock with Spring-Biased Locking Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable buttstocks for small arms require manual adjustment, which can be inconvenient and may require the shooter to release their grip on the weapon, and they lack a compact design that allows for easy removal of the spring mechanism while maintaining a desired setting.

Innovation Solution

A buttstock system with parallel rails and a spring-biased locking lever that allows for automatic adjustment between fully shortened and fully extended positions, enabling the shooter to adjust the stock without releasing their grip, and accommodating the removal of the spring mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of the buttstock is used, then the shooter can adjust the stock length, but the shooter must release their grip on the weapon which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism automatically pushes the buttstock to the extended position when the locking lever is released, eliminating the need for manual positioning. The system serves itself by using the spring's stored energy to perform the adjustment work that would otherwise require manual effort, allowing one-handed operation while maintaining grip on the weapon.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking lever transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocked state, allowing the buttstock to move freely along the rail under spring pressure. This dynamic mechanism enables quick adjustment between locked and unlocked states, facilitating rapid length changes without complex manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the volute spring is removed, then the design becomes more compact, but the automatic adjustment function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidspring removal flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spring mechanism is designed as a separate, removable module independent of the rail and locking lever system. This segmentation allows the spring to be easily removed or installed without affecting other components, providing flexibility for different operational requirements while maintaining the core structural integrity of the buttstock assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking lever is made ambidextrous, then both left-handed and right-handed shooters can use it, but the lever design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambidextrous operationVSAvoidlever design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking lever utilizes asymmetric geometry where the lever arm and locking tab are positioned to naturally accommodate push operations from either side. The asymmetric design allows the same lever structure to function effectively for both left-handed and right-handed shooters without requiring duplicate components or complex switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 quick and convenient adjustment of the buttstock length without manual intervention, maintaining a comfortable position for the shooter, and allows for the removal of the spring mechanism while maintaining the desired configuration, accommodating both left- and right-handed shooters.

Implementation Method 1

A strong volute spring automatically urges the sliding buttstock from a fully shortened position to a fully extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolute spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3189295B1Automatic adjustable buttstock for small arms
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 BERETTA USA CORP
  • EP3189295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189295B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3189295B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic adjustable buttstock system for a small arms weapon including a buttstock and a pair of parallel rails adapted to slidably mount the buttstock on a body of the weapon, each rail having a plurality of female locking slots along its length. A lock block is employed having a pivotable spring-loaded locking lever and a pair of locking tabs adapted to engage the female locking slots disposed along the length of each rail. A volute spring disposed between a rear wall of the lock block and a cavity in the buttstock is adapted to rearward bias the buttstock towards a fully extended position.