Firearm Safety Mechanism Integration Reduces Tolerance Stack-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm safety mechanisms often result in a high tolerance stack-up due to separate mounting of safety and fire control systems, leading to assembly issues and increased manufacturing costs, and the safety button is not conveniently located for users.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the safety mechanism with the fire control module, allowing both to be mounted together, which reduces tolerance stack-up and enables a more ergonomic and user-friendly rearward positioning of the safety operating button, facilitating easier assembly and testing outside the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the safety mechanism is mounted separately from the fire control system, then the safety button can be positioned forward of the stock bolt, but this increases tolerance stack-up and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the safety mechanism and fire control system into a single unified assembly. The safety mechanism is mounted within the fire control group housing, combining two previously separate systems. This integration eliminates the tolerance stack-up issues that arise from separate mounting while providing a rearward button position that is more accessible to the user's dominant hand.
2Ease of operation
If the safety mechanism is mounted separately from the fire control system, then interference between stock bolt and safety button is avoided, but this increases device complexity and manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism is integrated into the fire control group housing, creating a unified assembly that reduces the number of separate components. The stock bolt passes through the integrated assembly without interfering with the safety mechanism, as the safety button is positioned rearward of the bolt's forward position. This integration simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining operational clarity.
3Ease of operation
If the safety mechanism is mounted separately, then the safety button can be positioned forward, but this requires custom fitting and re-machining increasing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the safety mechanism within the fire control group housing allows for standardized manufacturing of a single unified assembly. This eliminates the need for custom fitting and re-machining that would be required if the safety mechanism were mounted separately. The stock bolt is designed to pass through the integrated assembly without requiring additional modifications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If safety and fire control parts are separated, then each can be manufactured independently, but this increases tolerance accumulation and assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety mechanism and fire control system into a single integrated assembly that is manufactured as one unit. This integration eliminates the cumulative tolerance issues that arise from assembling multiple separately manufactured components. The unified design ensures precise fit and function without the tolerance stack-up problems associated with separate manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A firearm with safety mechanism in one embodiment comprises a receiver, a trigger-actuated firing mechanism with movable trigger operable to discharge the firearm, and a safety mechanism configured to arrest the firing mechanism. The safety mechanism is movable between a first position preventing movement of the trigger and a second position allowing movement of the trigger for discharging the firearm. In one embodiment, an elongated stock bolt attaches a buttstock to the receiver. The stock bolt passes through a portion of the safety mechanism to engage the receiver. This allows an operating button of the safety to be ergonomically mounted on a top surface of the firearm above the stock bolt. In one implementation, the firing and safety mechanisms may each be operably mounted in a fire control module disposed in the receiver and removable therefrom as a separate self-supported unit.