Firearm Selector Switch Replacement Tool

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for replacing fire control selectors or selector switches on firearms require extensive disassembly of the firearm, making the process time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method and kit that includes a sear spring and sear deflector block, and a detent deflector button to facilitate the removal and replacement of the selector switch by engaging and disengaging key components, allowing for quicker and more efficient switching between modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional methods are used to remove and replace selector switches, then the firearm can be maintained and modified, but extensive disassembly of the firearm is required which is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselector switch replacement speedVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a handle portion for manual operation, a button portion for depressing the detent, and a selector switch portion for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as an integrated system, enabling rapid selector switch replacement without extensive firearm disassembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the selector switch retention mechanism. By introducing this intermediate tool with its button portion that can depress the detent, the system enables selector switch removal without requiring direct manual manipulation of the retained components, thereby simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If numerous portions of the firearm are disassembled to remove selector switches, then access to internal components is achieved, but time and effort are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselector switch replacement easeVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool enables the operator to perform the selector switch replacement operation independently without requiring assistance or extensive disassembly of the firearm. The integrated design with the button portion for detent depression and the selector switch portion for engagement allows a single operator to complete the entire replacement process efficiently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10697725B2Tool for firearm selector removal and installation and method of firearm selector removal and installation
Publication Date: 2020.06.30 COLT S MANUFACTURING COMPANY
  • US10697725B2 patent drawing
  • US10697725B2 patent drawing
  • US10697725B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for replacing a selector switch of lower receiver of a firearm, the method including the steps of: removing an ancillary portion of the selector switch; inserting a sear spring and sear deflector block into the lower receiver such that a hook portion and an end portion of the sear spring engage a sear and a portion of a sear spring to cause the sear and the portion of a sear spring to be disengaged from the selector switch; inserting a detent deflector button into a side of the lower receiver such a spring biased detent is depressed and the selector switch extends from an opposite side of the lower receiver; removing the selector switch; inserting a new selector switch into the opposite side of the lower receiver such that the detent deflector button is dislodged from the side of the lower receiver; removing the sear spring and sear deflector block; and securing the removing the ancillary portion or a new ancillary portion to the new selector switch.