Firearm Hand Guard Installation via Barrel Nut Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hand guard installation methods for firearms often require disassembly of critical components, are cumbersome, and can disturb the firearm's aim or compatibility with accessories, especially for military and police personnel who lack the necessary skills or tools.

Innovation Solution

A hand guard assembly system that includes a securing mechanism with a connector and clamping device, allowing the hand guard to be clamped to the barrel nut without removing the delta ring or other components, maintaining the firearm's integrity and allowing for free-floating and rail system configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hand guard installation methods are used, then the hand guard can be secured to the firearm, but critical components such as the delta ring, barrel nut, and front sight base must be removed and disassembled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hand guard assembly is divided into multiple segments including a first hand guard member, a second hand guard member, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the hand guard to be installed without removing critical firearm components, as each segment can be independently positioned and secured to the barrel nut and delta ring while maintaining the integrity of the firearm's original components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary element that connects the first and second hand guard members without requiring disassembly of the firearm's critical components. The coupling mechanism interfaces with the barrel nut and delta ring to secure the hand guard assembly in place, eliminating the need to remove these important firearm parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the hand guard is clamped to the barrel nut, then the hand guard can be secured without removing components, but the clamping structure may be bulky and difficult to fit between the barrel nut and delta ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidclamping structure size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is segmented across multiple hand guard members and coupling mechanisms rather than requiring a single bulky clamping structure. Each hand guard member includes a portion that can be clamped to the barrel nut, with the coupling mechanism providing additional securing points, thereby distributing the clamping function across multiple smaller, more manageable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hand guard members are designed to nest around the barrel nut and delta ring in a concentric arrangement. The first hand guard member, second hand guard member, and coupling mechanism are positioned within the space between the barrel nut and delta ring, allowing the clamping structure to fit within the existing firearm geometry without requiring excessive bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a single-piece hand guard encircling the barrel is used, then the hand guard provides comprehensive protection, but it cannot be slid over the front sight base and hand guard cap, requiring removal of these components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidcomponent removal requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hand guard is segmented into multiple members that can be independently installed on different portions of the barrel. The first hand guard member can be positioned on the barrel near the front sight base, while the second hand guard member is positioned further along the barrel. This segmentation allows the hand guard to be installed without removing the front sight base or hand guard cap, as each segment can be independently secured to the barrel nut and delta ring at appropriate positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables easy installation of hand guards on firearms without disassembling critical components, maintaining the firearm's accuracy and compatibility with accessories, and allowing for free-floating and rail system configurations, thus addressing the challenges of existing installation methods.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping device adapted to clamp the forward plate and the rear plate about at least a portion of the flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8806793B2Systems, methods, and apparatuses for installing a hand guard on a firearm
Publication Date: 2014.08.19 DANIEL DEFENSE
  • US8806793B2 patent drawing
  • US8806793B2 patent drawing
  • US8806793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatuses for installing a hand guard on a firearm. In some embodiments, a method of installing a hand guard on a firearm can be provided. The firearm includes a barrel, a barrel nut, and a delta ring. The delta ring is refracted away from the barrel nut. A number of hand guard members are positioned about the barrel. An annular groove formed between a forward plate and a rear plate associated with each hand guard member is mated with a portion of a flange of the barrel nut. The flange is secured within the annular groove of at least one hand guard member. The delta ring is advanced over a portion of some or all the hand guard members.