Buffer Retaining Pin Asymmetric Tooth Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer retaining pins, including those with a circular cross-section, fail to provide effective contact with buffers in rifles, leading to movement issues and mechanical stress, which can result in incorrect rifle operation and potential galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metal contact.
Innovation Solution
A buffer retaining pin with a cylindrical body and a tooth structure that allows for a flush contact with the buffer, featuring a front face plane intersecting the longitudinal axis at a specific angle, enabling reduced wear and preventing galvanic corrosion by using materials like aluminum or ceramic that match the buffer's electrode potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular cross-section retaining pin is used, then the pin can be manufactured simply, but it creates excessive contact stress and wear on the buffer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retaining pin from a circular cross-section to an asymmetric hexagonal cross-section with a flattened front face. This asymmetric design provides a larger contact surface area with the buffer, distributing contact stress more effectively while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a flattened front face on the retaining pin that specifically contacts the buffer. This localized geometric modification concentrates the design improvement where contact occurs, providing enhanced contact surface area and reduced stress without complicating the overall pin structure or manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the front face plane intersects the longitudinal axis between the tooth and distal end, then contact damage to the buffer is minimized, but the pin geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the orientation angle of the front face relative to the longitudinal axis. By positioning the front face plane to intersect the longitudinal axis at a specific point between the tooth and distal end, the design optimizes contact mechanics to reduce buffer damage while maintaining a relatively simple hexagonal prism geometry that is easy to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dissimilar metals are used for the pin and buffer, then manufacturing options increase, but galvanic corrosion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by specifying that the retaining pin and buffer be made of the same or similar metals (both aluminum or both steel). This material compatibility approach eliminates galvanic corrosion risks while maintaining manufacturing flexibility, as both components can still be produced from common materials used in rifle construction.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention a buffer retaining pin is provided that comprises an elongate body. The elongate body comprises a cylindrical body portion. The elongate body has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and an opposite open distal end. The cylindrical body has an inner chamber in communication with the open distal end. A tooth is located at the proximal end of the elongate body. The tooth is integral with and extends from the cylindrical body such that the cylindrical body portion extends between the tooth and the open distal end. The tooth defines a top side, a left side, a right side, a front face, and a rear face. The front face of the tooth extends in a plane such that the plane of the front face intersects the longitudinal axis.