Firearm Hand Guard Attachment System with Tensioning Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm hand guard attachment systems require tools for removal and tightening, and often necessitate disassembly of the barrel nut or entire barrel assembly, complicating maintenance and accessory mounting.
Innovation Solution
A hand guard attachment system with a tensioning assembly, such as a turnbuckle mechanism, that securely mounts the hand guard to the upper receiver without interfering with the barrel nut, allowing for easy installation and removal without specialized tools, using resilient/frictional engagement and a slotted opening for the tensioning mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional screw fasteners are used to attach the hand guard to the receiver, then the hand guard can be securely mounted, but tools are required for installation and removal, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system allows the user to install and remove the hand guard without requiring external tools. The quick-release mechanism and tensioning assembly are designed to be operated directly by the user's hand, enabling self-service installation and removal of the hand guard.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static screw-fastened connection to a dynamic quick-release mechanism. The hand guard can be quickly attached and detached by the user without tools, and the tensioning assembly can be adjusted to maintain secure engagement while allowing easy release when needed.
2Reliability
If screws or fasteners are used to secure the hand guard, then the hand guard is tightly attached, but specialized tools such as wrenches and screwdrivers are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be operated without external tools. The quick-release latches and tensioning mechanisms can be directly manipulated by the user's hand, eliminating the need for wrenches, screwdrivers, or other specialized tools while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system introduces intermediary components such as quick-release latches, cam mechanisms, or lever-operated locks that mediate between the user's manual input and the secure attachment of the hand guard. These intermediaries translate simple user actions into reliable mechanical engagement without requiring specialized tools.
3Ease of repair
If the barrel nut or entire barrel assembly must be removed to change the hand guard, then the hand guard can be replaced, but maintenance time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system segments the hand guard into an independently replaceable component that is not mechanically coupled to the barrel assembly. The quick-release attachment mechanism allows the hand guard to be separated from the receiver without affecting the barrel or barrel nut, enabling independent replacement of the hand guard.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand guard attachment system extracts the hand guard from the barrel assembly hierarchy, creating an independent attachment interface between the hand guard and receiver. This extraction allows the hand guard to be removed and replaced without disturbing the barrel or barrel nut, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the hand guard is designed to be removable for cleaning and maintenance, then access to the barrel is enabled, but the attachment system becomes more complex requiring additional fasteners and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system enables the user to independently remove and reattach the hand guard without requiring tools or assistance from others. The quick-release mechanism and tensioning assembly are designed to be operated directly by the user's hand, facilitating easy access to the barrel for cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system provides dynamic adjustability, allowing the hand guard to be quickly removed when cleaning or maintenance is needed and securely reattached when not needed. The tensioning assembly can be adjusted to maintain secure engagement during normal operation while allowing easy release when maintenance is required.
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 secure, tool-free mounting and dismounting of the hand guard, simplifying maintenance and accessory installation while maintaining a secure, floating engagement with the barrel, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
A tensioning assembly is configured to interface between the hand guard and the receiver, and is further configured to selectively maintain an engaged position between the hand guard and the firearm
Data Source
AI summary
A hand guard attachment system for releasably attaching a hand guard to a firearm is disclosed herein. The system includes the hand guard having a proximal end configured to engage a forward end of a receiver of the firearm. The system further includes a tensioning assembly configured to interface between the hand guard and the forward end of the firearm. The tensioning assembly is further configured to selectively maintain an engaged position between the hand guard and the firearm such that the hand guard is releasably attached to the firearm without interfering with, or requiring removal of, the barrel and/or barrel nut connected to the receiver.