Extruded Buffer Tube Structure for Lower-Cost Stock Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer tubes for firearms are expensive to manufacture and require improvements to reduce costs while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A receiver extension, or buffer tube, is manufactured using an extrusion process with materials like aluminum, metal, or polymer, and then machined to form internal and external threads, an elongated bottom member with a recessed channel, and cylindrical latch pin receiving recesses, allowing for adjustable butt stock positioning and reduced production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional buffer tubes are manufactured using conventional methods, then manufacturing precision and reliability are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple buffer tube sections into a single integrated extrusion piece, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of multiple components. This merging of parts reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the required precision through the extrusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes extrusion parameters and material flow characteristics to achieve precise dimensional control during the forming process. By optimizing extrusion speed, temperature, and die design, the manufacturing precision is maintained while using a more cost-effective extrusion process instead of traditional machining.
2Adaptability or versatility
If buffer tubes are manufactured with adjustable positioning features, then adaptability for different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer tube is divided into multiple sections with distinct functions: an elongated bottom member for structural support, a recessed channel for positioning, and cylindrical latch pin receiving recesses for adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tube design incorporates multiple features that serve different functions: the elongated bottom member provides structural integrity, the recessed channel enables positioning, and the cylindrical recesses accommodate adjustment mechanisms. This multi-functionality within a single integrated component achieves adaptability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate parts.
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 new buffer tube design provides cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the ability to adjust the length of the firearm for different users, improving aiming and firing accuracy by accommodating various user sizes.
Implementation Method 1
An extrusion process is used to form a first shape comprising a main body and a protrusion running along an entire length of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing is disclosed. The method forms a hollow pipe using an extrusion process, the hollow pipe contains a main body, a through aperture, and a protrusions running along the entire length of the main body, forms internal threads inside the through aperture, forms an elongated bottom member from the protrusion, wherein the elongated bottom member contains a recessed channel and one or more recesses, wherein the elongated bottom member runs along a portion of the main body, forms external threads along the main body.