Firearm Buttstock Hinge Latch Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding buttstock designs for firearms often lack versatility, as locking/retention features are typically located on the butt stock and center portion of the rifle, limiting stock changes and compatibility, and separate locking mechanisms can be inconvenient or prone to accidental relocking.
Innovation Solution
A folding buttstock mechanism with a hinge assembly that includes a latch pin with both a latch member and a lock member, integrated into the hinge assembly, allowing secure latching in the inline position and locking in the folded position without additional components, enabling a wide range of stock compatibility and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking features are located on the butt stock and center portion of the rifle, then the butt stock can be secured in position, but the butt stock cannot be changed without eliminating this feature, limiting compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking feature with the hinge assembly by integrating a latch pin that rotates within the hinge structure. The latch pin has a latch member on one end and a lock member on the other end, both integrated into the same hinge assembly component rather than being separate features on the butt stock. This allows the locking mechanism to be part of the hinge structure itself, enabling butt stock changes while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the folding motion, contains the latch pin for locking, and serves as a universal interface for different butt stock configurations. The latch pin's dual-ended design with both latch and lock members allows it to secure the butt stock in both inline and folded positions across various stock types, enhancing versatility while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is added for the folded position, then the buttstock can be securely locked when folded, but additional components and cost are added to the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism for the folded position with the existing hinge assembly. The latch pin, which is already part of the hinge structure, has a lock member on one end that engages with a lock recess on the hinge assembly when the butt stock is folded. This eliminates the need for a separate locking mechanism, reducing component count while maintaining secure locking in the folded position.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch pin serves dual purposes: it provides the latch function for the inline position with its latch member, and simultaneously provides the lock function for the folded position with its lock member. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform what would traditionally require separate mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable security in both positions.
3Reliability
If the latch member is spring-biased inward, then the latch engages securely in the inline position, but the release mechanism may not be intuitive when the operator did not intend to lock the butt stock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the lock member, rather than the latch member, be the primary interface for operator interaction. The lock member is biased outward by the spring and must be pushed inward by the operator to disengage the lock. This reversal makes the operation more intuitive because the operator directly manipulates the locking element itself, providing clear tactile feedback and preventing accidental engagement or disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bias on the lock member creates a self-locking mechanism that maintains its state without continuous operator input. Once the lock member is pushed inward to disengage, the spring automatically returns it to the engaged position, providing intuitive feedback to the operator about the current state. This self-service mechanism eliminates ambiguity about whether the latch is engaged or disengaged, improving ease of operation while maintaining security.
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
The solution provides secure and intuitive folding and locking of the buttstock in both inline and offset positions, enhancing convenience and safety while allowing for various stock configurations without additional components, thus addressing the limitations of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a latch spring biasing the latch member in an inward direction and the lock member in an outward direction with respect to the hinge assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A firearm includes a receiver, barrel coupled to the receiver, and buttstock. An openable/closeable hinge assembly comprising front and rear hinge elements pivotably mounts the buttstock to the receiver. A latch mechanism carried by the hinge assembly includes a latch pin having latch and lock members on opposing ends. The pin is both slidable and rotatable in the hinge assembly. When the buttstock is in an unfolded position in axial alignment with the barrel axis, the latch member engages a latch recess on a first lateral side of the hinge assembly to latch the buttstock in position. The buttstock may be pivoted laterally outwards about the hinge assembly to a folded position offset from the barrel centerline. Rotating the latch member engages the lock member with a lock recess on the hinge assembly to lock the buttstock in the folded position.