Firearm Pivot Pin Power Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearms equipped with electronic accessory devices face challenges due to the weight and bulk of individual batteries, and the reliability of electrical power supply is compromised in environmentally hostile conditions such as rain, humidity, and extreme temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A pivot pin device provides a mechanical pivot point between the upper and lower receivers of a firearm, transferring electrical power from a lower receiver-mounted power source to accessory rails on the upper receiver, ensuring a steady power supply while maintaining the firearm's mechanical integrity and protecting against environmental interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If individual batteries are added to each electronic accessory device, then the devices can operate independently, but the weight and bulk of the firearm increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation of accessory devicesVSAvoidweight of firearm

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power source function from multiple individual batteries into a single centralized power source integrated into the firearm's lower receiver. This consolidation maintains the ability to power multiple accessory devices while significantly reducing the total weight and bulk compared to having separate batteries for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized power source serves multiple functions by providing electrical power to various accessory devices through the accessory rail system. The power source is designed to be universal, capable of powering different types of accessories (lights, thermal imaging cameras, range finders, etc.) without requiring separate power sources for each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If individual batteries are mounted on each accessory device, then power supply is decentralized, but the bulk and difficulty of carrying and aiming increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of carrying and aimingVSAvoiddecentralized power supply structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply units into a single centralized power source, which simplifies the overall system structure and reduces the number of components that need to be managed. This consolidation improves ease of operation by reducing bulk and making the firearm more manageable, while the electrical connection system maintains the decentralized functionality through the accessory rail interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If electronic accessory devices are mounted on the firearm, then situational awareness is improved, but the reliability of electrical power supply is compromised in environmentally hostile conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of electrical power supplyVSAvoidenvironmental interference with power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sealed electrical connection system as an intermediary between the centralized power source and the accessory devices. This intermediary connection system, integrated into the pivot pin device and accessory rail assembly, protects the electrical connections from environmental factors such as rain, humidity, and dirt, thereby maintaining reliable power supply in hostile conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs sealed housings and protective barriers (flexible shells) around the electrical connections and power source. These protective enclosures prevent environmental contaminants from reaching the electrical components, ensuring consistent and reliable power delivery to accessory devices despite adverse environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Weight of moving object

If a centralized power source is integrated into the lower receiver, then weight is reduced, but the complexity of power transfer mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of power sourcesVSAvoidpower transfer mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot pin device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical pivot point for the upper and lower receivers and as an electrical power transfer mechanism. By integrating the electrical connection functions into the existing mechanical pivot pin structure, the patent avoids adding separate complex power transfer components, thereby minimizing the increase in system complexity while achieving weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11391538B2Firearm with electrical power source

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 T WORX HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A firearm includes a lower receiver storing an electrical power source and an upper receiver attached to the lower receiver. A pivot pin device provides a mechanical pivot point between the upper and lower receivers and a transfer of electrical power from the electrical power source in the lower receiver to at least one accessory rail attached to the upper receiver. The at least one accessory rail has electrical contacts that engage corresponding contacts on an electronic accessory device to supply the electrical power to the electronic accessory device.