Firearm Receiver Collapsible Stock Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm buttstock designs are heavy, cumbersome, and have awkward locking mechanisms, requiring the removal of proprietary components for assembly, which complicates inspection and cleaning, and weaken the structural integrity due to cut notches in rails or tubes.
Innovation Solution
A receiver with an integral stock connector component and extension rod/rail apertures that allow for a collapsible buttstock with a cheek rest and extension rods/rails, utilizing rod dimples/detents for secure locking and maintaining structural integrity, and a latch assembly for easy adjustment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional variable position buttstock designs are used, then the buttstock can be adjusted to different positions, but the design becomes heavy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The buttstock is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned and locked. The stock includes a receiver, a stock body, and an extension section that can be adjusted to different positions relative to the receiver, allowing weight reduction while maintaining adjustability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The extension section is designed to nest within or alongside the stock body when collapsed, and extend outward when deployed. This nested configuration reduces the overall footprint and weight of the buttstock assembly while preserving the ability to adjust to multiple positions
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary bolt carrier and buffer tube components are used for retrofit collapsible stock assemblies, then the stock can be made collapsible, but the assembly process becomes complex requiring removal of existing components
Solution Approach 1:
The stock adapter is designed with universal compatibility to work with both traditional fixed stocks and collapsible stock configurations. It interfaces with the buffer tube assembly and provides mounting points for both fixed and collapsible stock options, eliminating the need for proprietary components and simplifying the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The stock adapter is pre-installed on the buffer tube assembly before the stock is attached. This preliminary installation prepares the assembly with proper alignment features and mounting interfaces, allowing the stock to be easily attached without requiring removal of existing components or complex assembly procedures
3Ease of operation
If cut notches are made in rails or tubes for locking mechanisms, then the buttstock can be locked at desired positions, but the structural integrity is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cutting notches in the rails or tubes, the invention uses rounded dimples or detent features that are formed into the surface. These curved, non-penetrating features provide locking engagement while maintaining the continuous cross-section of the rail or tube, preserving structural integrity while enabling positioning functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical notch-based locking system is replaced with a dimple-and-detent system where rounded dimples interact with corresponding detent features on the locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for cutting or removing material from the rails or tubes, maintaining strength while providing the same locking function
4Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the buttstock can be secured at positions, but the locking mechanism becomes awkward and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates self-biasing features where the detent and spring assembly automatically engages with the dimples on the extension section. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement, and the mechanism self-locks at each dimple position without requiring manual intervention, improving both reliability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides periodic engagement points corresponding to each dimple location along the extension section. As the extension section moves, it sequentially engages with each dimple, providing discrete, reliable locking positions at regular intervals, making the operation intuitive and easy to control
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver having an integral stock connector component that extends along the receiver; two extension rod/rail apertures formed through the integral stock connector component, wherein each extension rod/rail aperture is formed so as to slidably receive an extension rod/rail extending from a buttstock, such that each extension rod/rail is slidably movable within one of the extension rod/rail apertures; wherein each extension rod/rail comprises a rod channel and two or more rod dimples/detents formed along the rod channel; and a latch that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the latch is in the engaged position, a protrusion portion urges latch elements into the rod/rail apertures a distance that seats the latch elements into the rod dimples/detents, and wherein when the latch is in the disengaged position, the protrusion portion allows the latch elements to retract from the rod dimples/detents and into the rod channels.