Interchangeable Element Attachment System for Firearm Bolt Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for attaching assist levers to bolt catches in firearms are unreliable due to twisting or rotational movement, providing a problematic attachment that is not secure.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable element attachment system with a bolt catch and assist lever design featuring attachment apertures, engaging projections, and a fastener system that ensures secure alignment and threading for stable attachment, preventing slidable and rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple sandwiching attachment method is used to attach assist lever to bolt catch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of attachment deteriorates due to twisting and rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional elements: attachment aperture engaging projections for positional alignment, perimeter engaging projections for rotational constraint, and fastener recesses for secure fastening. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable attachment without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment aperture engaging projections are received within the attachment aperture of the bolt catch, creating a nested configuration. The fastener recess is positioned within the assist lever body, and the fastener extends through the attachment aperture to engage the upper button portion. This nesting arrangement provides secure attachment while maintaining a compact structure.
2Reliability
If multiple engagement projections and fastener recesses are added to prevent rotational movement, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment aperture engaging projections and perimeter engaging projections are configured with specific asymmetric geometries that match corresponding features on the bolt catch. The non-circular perimeter engaging projections prevent rotational movement in a straightforward manner, while the attachment aperture engaging projections provide precise positional alignment. This asymmetric design achieves high reliability without requiring complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment aperture engaging projections and perimeter engaging projections are designed to automatically align and constrain the assist lever to the bolt catch during assembly. The fastener recess is pre-positioned to receive the fastener through the attachment aperture, ensuring proper alignment before final fastening. This preliminary configuration of engagement features simplifies the assembly process while maintaining high attachment reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable element attachment system, including at least some of a bolt catch, wherein an attachment aperture is formed through a portion of an upper button portion of the bolt catch; an assist lever, wherein one or more attachment aperture engaging projections extend from a portion of an assist lever second side, within an attachment portion of the assist lever, wherein a portion of the attachment aperture engaging projection is received within at least a portion of the attachment aperture of the bolt catch, such that one or more portions of the attachment aperture engaging projection are abutted against one or more corresponding portions of the attachment aperture, and wherein an at least partially internally threaded fastener recess extends within the attachment portion; and a fastener positionable through the aligned attachment aperture and fastener recess to assist in attaching or coupling the assist lever to the bolt catch.