Extendable Firearm Grip Tang for Compact Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealable firearms, particularly backup weapons, face challenges in being compact and easily concealable while maintaining usability and safety, as they often have a large stowage profile and limited accuracy at distance.
Innovation Solution
An extendable grip tang that can be concealed within the firearm's grip, which can be spring-operated or pressure-actuated, allowing for a more compact and concealable design, suitable for various firearms including revolvers and magazine-fed handguns, deploying to provide a larger gripping surface when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the firearm is designed to be compact and concealable, then the stowage profile is reduced and concealability is improved, but the grip surface area is reduced and handling security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tang is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend from a retracted position within the grip to an extended position protruding from the grip. This dynamic configuration enables the grip surface area to change between small (for concealment) and large (for handling security), resolving the contradiction between compact stowage profile and adequate grip surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The tang is nested within the grip when retracted, occupying minimal space and maintaining a compact stowage profile. When extended, it protrudes from the grip to provide additional grip surface area. This nesting arrangement allows the firearm to achieve both small stowage volume and large grip surface area at different operational states
2Ease of operation
If the tang is made extendable to improve grip security, then handling security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tang extension mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded or pressure-actuated systems. When pressure is applied to the pressure plate or during hammer cocking, the tang automatically extends without requiring separate manual operation. This self-service approach improves grip security while minimizing the addition of complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tang extension function is merged with existing firearm operations such as hammer cocking or pressure plate actuation. The same mechanical actions that perform other firearm functions also trigger the tang extension, combining multiple functions into a single mechanism and reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If the tang is spring-loaded for automatic extension, then ease of operation is improved, but the weight of the firearm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loading mechanism is extracted as an optional feature rather than a mandatory component. Users can choose between spring-loaded automatic extension or simpler pressure-actuated extension based on their weight constraints and operational preferences. This extraction approach allows the firearm to achieve automatic extension when needed while offering a lighter alternative when weight is the primary concern
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 extendable grip tang enhances the compactness and concealability of firearms, providing a safer and more user-friendly handling experience by reducing the stowage profile and allowing for improved grip security without hindering movement or accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The tang may or may not be spring-loaded and may be actuated by use of a pressure plate or by the cocking of the hammer
Data Source
AI summary
Extendable tangs are used to increase the surface area of grips so as to better enable users with larger hands to adequately control smaller items. Tangs are stowed within the body of a grip and deployed through one of a number of mechanisms, including spring-loaded and non-spring loaded mechanisms.