Cushioned Grip Cage With Internal Elastomer Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm and tool grips often lack adequate cushioning, leading to user fatigue during repetitive operations, and solutions like grip sleeves or over-molding either provide insufficient cushioning or compromise the structural integrity of the grip.
Innovation Solution
A cushioned grip system comprising a cage with compressible material, such as thermoplastic elastomer, that extends through openings to provide enhanced cushioning and control, while maintaining the structural integrity of the grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grip sleeves are used to provide cushioning, then user comfort is improved, but the overall dimensions of the grip increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning material is nested within the internal cavity of the grip frame rather than adding an external layer. The material is positioned inside the existing structural boundaries, allowing cushioning without increasing external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning approach transitions from external addition (grip sleeves adding radial thickness) to internal utilization (material placed within the existing internal cavity volume). This dimensional repositioning maintains external profile while providing cushioning function.
2Ease of operation
If over-molding is used to add cushioning layer, then user comfort is improved, but the structural integrity of the grip frame is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grip is segmented into distinct functional zones: the rigid cage structure provides structural integrity and mounting attachment, while the separate cushioning material insert provides comfort. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip combines two distinct materials with complementary properties: a rigid material (metal or hard polymer) for the cage structure providing strength, and a compressible material (elastomer or foam) for cushioning. The composite construction maintains structural integrity while providing comfort.
3Force
If thicker cushioning material is added to the grip, then recoil attenuation is improved, but the grip dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thick cushioning material is nested within the internal cavity of the grip frame, utilizing the existing internal volume. This allows substantial material thickness for recoil attenuation without increasing the external dimensions of the grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning material parameters (thickness, density, compressibility) are optimized to provide maximum recoil attenuation within the constrained internal volume. The material properties are selected to achieve force attenuation without requiring increased external dimensions.
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 system effectively reduces user fatigue by providing improved cushioning and control without increasing the grip's dimensions or compromising its structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible material may be a thermoplastic elastomer... positioned to attenuate recoil
Implementation Method 2
The compressible material extends through the at least one opening in the cage... providing improved cushioning
Data Source
AI summary
A cushioned article includes a cage and a compressible material. The cage has at least one opening, an interior volume, and an outer surface. The at least one opening provides a passage from the outer surface to the interior volume. The compressible material extends through the at least one opening in the cage. A method for manufacturing a cushioned article includes providing a mold having at least one cavity, placing a cage within the mold, and injecting a compressible material into an interior of the cage. The cage includes at least one opening. A portion of the compressible material flows through the at least one opening in the cage and fills the at least one cavity of the mold. One or more shields may be connected to the cage before injection. The shields may be removed with the cage and heat treated with the shields still connected to the cage.