Barrel Bushing Slide Guidance and Retention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm designs require complex disassembly procedures and additional components for smooth slide operation and field stripping, which can be cumbersome and require tools.

Innovation Solution

A ring-shaped barrel bushing that is biased by the recoil spring into a cone feature on the slide, allowing for smooth slide action and easy disassembly without the need for additional connectors or tools, with a bushing stop retaining the bushing and spring on the barrel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional firearm designs are used with complex disassembly procedures, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome disassembly requiring tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoiddisassembly procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The firearm is divided into separable modules: the slide assembly can be independently removed from the frame by pivoting rearward, while the barrel bushing and recoil spring remain retained on the barrel. This segmentation allows easy field stripping without requiring complete disassembly or special tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrel bushing is extracted as a separate retained component that stays on the barrel when the slide is removed. The bushing stop specifically extracts the function of retaining the recoil spring and bushing independently from the slide assembly, simplifying the disassembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If additional components are added for smooth slide operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring more parts and connectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide operation smoothnessVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel bushing combines multiple functions into a single component: it guides slide movement, retains the recoil spring, and interfaces with both the barrel and slide. The bushing stop merges the retention function for both the bushing and recoil spring into one simple component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrel bushing serves multiple purposes: guiding slide reciprocation, retaining the recoil spring, providing a pivot point for disassembly, and maintaining alignment between the barrel and slide. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

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

3Ease of operation

If tools and connectors are required for disassembly, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to tool requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield stripping easeVSAvoidtool requirement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The firearm's disassembly mechanism is self-service: the slide pivots rearward on the retained barrel bushing to automatically clear from the barrel, and the bushing stop automatically retains the recoil spring and bushing. No external tools or connectors are needed—the components themselves enable their own disassembly and reassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easy field stripping and reassembly of firearms by allowing the slide to be removed without screws or tools, maintaining alignment and recoil spring retention, enhancing user convenience and reducing assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

A ring-shaped barrel bushing is biased by the recoil spring into a cone feature on the slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11852426B2Barrel bushing
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SIG SAUER INC
  • US11852426B2 patent drawing
  • US11852426B2 patent drawing
  • US11852426B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A firearm including a barrel bushing is disclosed. The barrel bushing provides for guidance of the slide without a need for forward rails. The barrel bushing is retained by a bushing stop that allows the slide to be removed while the recoil spring and bushing are retained on the barrel.