Spring-Loaded Button Detent Retention for Magazine Catch Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing enlarged buttons in magazine catches of firearms, such as AR style firearms, often require over-depression into the receiver, leading to interference and potential alignment issues, and mechanical fastening methods like screws can loosen over time, causing damage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece button design comprising a button base and button with mating detent surfaces, secured by a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing for alignment and retention without over-depression, using a threaded rod and internal threads for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If an enlarged button is used to aid faster engagement, then the button interface size is improved, but the button requires over-depression into the receiver during installation which causes interference and alignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is divided into multiple components: a button body, a button base with a bore, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows the button to be assembled in parts without requiring over-depression into the receiver, eliminating installation interference while maintaining the enlarged interface for fast engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The button base with its bore is designed to receive and nest the button body, creating a compact assembly that fits within the receiver without requiring excessive insertion depth. The retention mechanism nests within this structure to secure the button in place.
2Strength
If mechanical fastening devices such as screws are used to attach button extensions, then the button can be securely attached, but the fastening devices tend to come loose over time in high vibration environments leading to alignment issues and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded retention mechanism automatically maintains constant pressure between the button base and button body, self-adjusting to compensate for vibration and movement. This eliminates the need for separate fastening devices that can loosen, as the spring continuously reinforces the bond between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating surfaces between the button base and button body feature curved or conical profiles that provide mechanical interlocking and alignment. This geometric design creates a self-aligning connection that resists loosening under vibration without requiring additional fasteners.
3Device complexity
If a single-piece button design is used, then the structure is simple, but the button must be over-depressed into the receiver which interferes with enlarged buttons and requires taller buttons for clearance
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the button into a button body and button base allows the assembly to achieve the necessary height and clearance without requiring the entire button to be taller. The segmented design enables precise positioning and reduces the insertion depth needed while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Provides a robust, secure, and mechanically simple solution for retaining buttons in magazine catches, preventing loosening and alignment issues, while allowing for various shapes and sizes, and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed around the rod, wherein a first end of the spring contacts the button base and a second end of the spring bears against a receiver
Implementation Method 2
a button comprising a first end with a planar profile and a second end with internal threads which are configured to be threaded onto the rod
Implementation Method 3
a first set of surfaces on the button base are configured to match up with a second set of surfaces on the button such that pressure aligns the button base and the button
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, device, and methods for assembling a magazine catch device are provided which may include providing a threaded rod, providing a button base that is configured to be place along the threaded rod, and threading a button onto the threaded rod such that a first set of surfaces of the button matches up with and bears against a second set of surfaces of the button base to align the button base and the button when tension is applied to the button base and button.