Firearm Chassis System with Non-Contact Barrel Mounting
Solution Overview
Problem
The M16/AR15 family of rifles has a separate mounting rail and hand guard assembly that contacts the barrel, affecting accuracy and not providing solid or consistent mounting for peripheral devices, and existing solutions either require proprietary barrels or do not allow for standard barrel use.
Innovation Solution
A chassis system comprising two housings that enclose the rifle's action mechanism and barrel, with a unified rail system and detachable components for improved mounting and customization, allowing for standard barrel use and enhanced peripheral attachment without contacting the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the hand guard is mounted to contact the barrel, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but the accuracy of the firearm deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hand guard system is divided into separate components: a hand guard body and a mounting interface. The hand guard mounts to the receiver via tabs and slots rather than directly contacting the barrel, separating the support function from the barrel contact function. This segmentation allows the hand guard to provide structural support without compromising barrel accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver serves as an intermediary mounting surface between the hand guard and the barrel. Instead of the hand guard contacting the barrel directly, it is mounted to the receiver through a tab-and-slot interface, providing a stable mounting platform that does not interfere with barrel accuracy while still supporting the hand guard assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a separate mounting rail and hand guard assembly is used, then the firearm is easier to assemble, but the mounting of peripheral devices is not solid or consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail and hand guard are merged into a single integrated hand guard assembly with built-in rail interfaces. Peripheral devices mount directly to the hand guard body through standardized interfaces, ensuring consistent and solid mounting while maintaining ease of assembly through the pre-integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand guard assembly serves multiple functions: it protects the barrel, provides a mounting surface for peripheral devices through integrated rails, and attaches to the receiver. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting rails while ensuring consistent peripheral device mounting through standardized interfaces built into the hand guard body.
3Strength
If a monolithic receiver and hand guard platform is manufactured, then the structural strength is improved, but standard barrels cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm system is segmented into modular components: a monolithic upper receiver assembly providing structural strength, and a separate barrel assembly that attaches via standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the strong monolithic receiver to coexist with interchangeable standard barrels, maintaining both structural integrity and barrel compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic receiver assembly incorporates universal mounting interfaces that accommodate standard barrels. The receiver design includes standardized barrel mounting threads and dimensions, allowing it to accept various standard barrels while maintaining its inherent structural strength from the monolithic construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination for a firearm which creates an improved firearm. An upper chassis is created which is formed from a first housing and a second housing which, once independently formed, are permanently secured to each other. The upper chassis provides a first opening through which a spent cartridge is discharged and a second opening which permits a variety of attachments to be selectively attached to the upper chassis to customize the firearm to the user and activity.