Buffer Tube Locking Plate Assembly for Firearm Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer tube attachment systems to firearm receivers fail to provide secure attachment without vibration transmission and relative rotation, and ensure correct longitudinal positioning, as simple stop-nut arrangements can become dislodged during firearm use.
Innovation Solution
A buffer tube locking assembly comprising a buffer tube locking plate with a pass-through surface and protrusion, a castle nut with a toothed surface and non-cylindrical tool engagement, and a flexible indexing pin to restrict rotation and longitudinal movement, ensuring secure attachment and preventing accidental rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple stop-nut arrangement is used to attach the buffer tube, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure attachment without vibration transmission and relative rotation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple functional components: a locking plate with protrusions for positioning, a castle nut with toothed surface for anti-rotation, and an indexing pin for securing the nut. Each component performs a specific function, collectively providing reliable attachment while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate features asymmetric protrusions that engage with corresponding features on the buffer tube and receiver, preventing relative rotation. The castle nut has an asymmetric toothed surface that interfaces with the indexing pin, creating a non-reversible locking mechanism that resists vibration-induced loosening
2Reliability
If a castle nut with toothed surface and indexing pin is used to prevent rotation, then the reliability of preventing accidental rotation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing pin acts as an intermediary element between the castle nut and the locking plate, transferring rotational constraints from the plate through the pin to the nut. This mediator mechanism efficiently prevents accidental rotation while keeping the overall structure compact and manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate protrusions are pre-positioned to engage with the buffer tube grooves before the castle nut is fully tightened. This preliminary positioning action ensures correct longitudinal positioning and prevents rotation during the tightening process, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a buffer tube locking plate assembly facilitating secure attachment of a buffer tube to a receiver portion of a firearm.