Buffer Tube Assembly Pivoting Mechanism for Compact Firearm Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved designs in firearms that allow for the reduction of length to facilitate easier carrying and storage, while maintaining functionality, as existing folding mechanisms may not adequately address the requirement for compactness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A system for pivoting a buffer tube assembly relative to a firearm's receiver, incorporating a first and second hinge portion, a lock, and a bolt blocking assembly, which allows for rotational or translational movement to change the axis alignment of the buffer tube assembly, and configures the bolt blocking assembly to permit or resist rearward movement of the bolt assembly based on the lock's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the buffer tube assembly is made foldable to reduce firearm length, then the firearm becomes easier to carry and store, but the complexity of the hinge and locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tube assembly is nested within or alongside the receiver assembly when folded, with the hinge mechanism allowing the buffer tube to pivot into a compact position that reduces overall firearm length while maintaining structural integrity through nested configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the buffer tube assembly between extended and folded positions, allowing the firearm to transition between different length states for carrying, storage, and operational configurations
2Length of moving object
If the buffer tube assembly is folded to improve compactness, then storage and carrying become easier, but the risk of accidental bolt movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage the bolt blocking assembly in advance when the buffer tube assembly is folded, preventing accidental bolt movement before it can occur by establishing the blocked configuration as a prerequisite for the folded state
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary that couples the buffer tube assembly position with the bolt blocking assembly state, ensuring that folding the buffer tube automatically activates the bolt blocking function through mechanical linkage
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the buffer tube assembly, then reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the buffer tube assembly, with the folding motion itself triggering the lock engagement and the unfolding motion releasing it, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the folding operation, where the same mechanical motion that folds the buffer tube assembly also activates the locking mechanism, and the unfolding motion simultaneously releases the lock, combining multiple functions into a single operational sequence
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm assembly includes an upper receiver housing a bolt carrier group that is translatable within the upper receiver, and a lower receiver including a first hinge portion defining a first hinge opening. A second hinge portion is pivotally connected to the first hinge portion, and a buffer assembly is attached to the second hinge portion. A carrier block is positioned within the first hinge portion and is configurable in a blocking configuration and an unblocking configuration. The second hinge portion is in mechanical communication with the carrier block when the second hinge portion is configured in a folded position. At least a portion of the carrier block is positioned within the first hinge opening when the carrier block is in the blocking configuration. The carrier block prevents translation of the bolt carrier group when the carrier blocking member is in the blocking configuration.