Firearm Receiver Pivot Pin Connector with Interlocking Projections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearms with multi-part receivers face challenges in creating a mechanically solid and easily disassembled connection between the upper and lower receiver parts, particularly with existing pin-based systems that are prone to loss, high loading, and geometric misalignment under harsh conditions.

Innovation Solution

A connecting mechanism featuring a pivot pin, receiver pivot pin hole, and a connector element with complementary projections and recesses, allowing the upper receiver part to pivot and align securely with the lower part, providing enhanced alignment and force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If pins are used to connect the upper receiver part and the lower receiver part, then the connection is mechanically solid, but the pins are easy to lose and heavily loaded under shocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidpin retention reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional elements: a pivot pin for rotation, a connector element with complementary projections and recesses for positioning, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element with complementary projections and recesses acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower receiver parts. It provides positive positioning and alignment while the pivot pin handles rotational movement, distributing loads more effectively and reducing pin loss risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If pins are used to connect the upper receiver part and the lower receiver part, then the connection is mechanically solid, but significant forces and shocks are transmitted between the parts via the pins

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidforce transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional elements: a pivot pin for rotation, a connector element with complementary projections and recesses for positioning, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element with complementary projections and recesses acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower receiver parts. It provides positive positioning and alignment while the pivot pin handles rotational movement, distributing loads more effectively and reducing pin loss risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If pins are used to connect the upper receiver part and the lower receiver part, then the parts are aligned relative to each other, but geometric changes to the pins are extremely negative due to high load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidpin structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional elements: a pivot pin for rotation, a connector element with complementary projections and recesses for positioning, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector element with complementary projections and recesses acts as an intermediary between the upper and lower receiver parts. It provides positive positioning and alignment while the pivot pin handles rotational movement, distributing loads more effectively and reducing pin loss risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a hinge is provided instead of the pivot pin with rotatable cam fixation, then the opening is simplified and risk of loss is eliminated, but complete disassembly is extremely cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening easeVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector element incorporates a dynamic retention mechanism that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The retention feature allows the connector to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling simple opening while maintaining secure connection during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional elements: a pivot pin for rotation, a connector element with complementary projections and recesses for positioning, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in one function, improving overall reliability while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3967964B1Connection for the upper receiver part and the lower receiver part of a firearm
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 GLOCK TECH
  • EP3967964B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967964B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3967964B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4d

AI summary

The invention relates to a firearm having a weapon median plane (6), an upper receiver part (111) with a barrel (1) with a barrel axis (5), and a lower receiver part (112), which are detachably connected to each other by means of a connecting mechanism which comprises at least one pivot pin (24), about the axis of which, running normal to the weapon median plane (6), the two receiver parts (111, 112) are pivotable relative to each other, between a closed position in the ready-to-fire state, and an open position, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises the pivot pin (24), a receiver pivot pin hole (12) which passes through the upper receiver part and/or the lower receiver part normal to the weapon median plane with an axis normal to the weapon median plane, a connector element (21) with at least one hole (22) and a slotted hole (23) with axes normal to the weapon median plane (6), as well as a protrusion (131) formed on the upper receiver part or lower receiver part, running in the direction of the barrel axis (5), and a recess (141) which is complementary thereto in shape and function.