Laser-Induced Firearm Surface Texturing for Grip Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods to mitigate slippage between firearm surfaces and users, as existing technologies do not effectively address this issue, leading to potential accidents and discomfort during use.
Innovation Solution
A pulley assembly with a body and shaft mount, featuring a series of counter-sunk holes and bolts for precise alignment, and a laser-infused friction material on the pulley's surface to increase friction, reducing slippage between the pulley and belt, and potentially applied to firearm components for improved grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional surface treatments are used on firearm components, then manufacturing is simpler, but friction and grip are insufficient leading to slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical surface treatments with laser-induced friction stir processing. The laser beam provides thermal energy to locally melt and remix the material, creating a friction-enhanced surface layer without mechanical contact tools, thereby substituting mechanical manufacturing methods with thermal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface layer through laser heating. The laser induces localized melting, rapid cooling, and material redistribution, altering surface hardness, roughness, and friction characteristics. This transforms the surface from a conventional state to a high-friction state through controlled parameter changes.
2Reliability
If laser-induced friction stir processing is used to enhance surface friction, then grip and control are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical friction stir processing equipment with a laser beam system. Instead of using rotating tools and mechanical forces to create friction and mix material, the laser provides thermal energy that achieves similar material redistribution and surface enhancement through melting and rapid solidification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the material (solid-liquid-solid) induced by laser heating. The laser beam rapidly heats the surface beyond melting point, then the material quickly solidifies upon cooling. This phase transition cycle creates a refined surface structure with enhanced friction properties, simplifying the overall process compared to mechanical methods.
3Force
If the laser beam is applied to create friction lines, then friction and grip are enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser energy locally only to the specific surface areas requiring friction enhancement, rather than treating the entire component. The laser beam is focused on precise locations where grip is needed, creating localized friction lines or patterns. This selective application minimizes overall energy consumption while achieving the desired friction enhancement where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies just enough laser energy to achieve the desired surface transformation without excessive heating. The laser parameters (power, speed, pass count) are optimized to create sufficient friction enhancement with minimal energy input. The process uses partial action by limiting treatment to only the necessary surface areas and using the minimum effective energy dose.
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 solution effectively reduces slippage and noise by enhancing friction between the pulley and belt, and when applied to firearms, provides a secure grip, enhancing user control and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The heat may be generated by a laser beam that traces a desired pattern of friction lines
Implementation Method 2
fusing the applied particulate matter to the outer surface by heating the outer surface and the particulate matter
Implementation Method 3
the laser may be used to remove material and to create a rough surface on the outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly
Implementation Method 4
The outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly has a pattern of friction lines for increasing the frictional forces between the outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly and the belt driving the pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm having a laser induced friction surface. A method for forming the laser induced friction surface on the firearm may includes the steps of disposing the laser machine adjacent to a component of the firearm, adjusting the laser machine, then applying the laser beam of the laser machine onto a component surface.