Firearm Strut Tool Stabilizing Receiver Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for maintaining and repairing firearms, such as the AR-15 rifle, face challenges in stabilizing the upper and lower receiver assemblies during inspection and cleaning, as existing methods can lead to damage or injury due to instability and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A strut tool with a hook portion for engaging the upper receiver assembly and a pivoting portion for the takedown pin of the lower receiver assembly, which holds the receivers in a stable, angular position, providing access to the inner mechanisms while securing the takedown pin and block for reversible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blocks and wedges are used to hold receiver assemblies in position, then access to inner surfaces is improved, but the blocks and wedges can be displaced or jogged out of position causing receiver movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a first block for engaging the upper receiver, a second block for engaging the lower receiver, and a wedge positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve stable receiver positioning and maintained access.
2Ease of manufacture
If friction fitting components are used in receiver assembly, then component integration is improved, but force is required to displace or insert components causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tool acts as an intermediary device that engages with the friction fitting components (pivot pin and takedown pin assemblies) through properly designed contact surfaces. This intermediary approach allows for controlled application of force during disassembly and reassembly operations, reducing the risk of damage to the friction fitting components while maintaining their integrated structure.
3Ease of operation
If receivers are held in fixed position for servicing, then inspection and cleaning access is improved, but the risk of damage or pinching injury increases due to potential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tool design incorporates features that prevent sudden or uncontrolled receiver movement before damage or injury can occur. The wedge and block configuration provides continuous contact and control throughout the servicing process, cushioning against potential harmful movements and securing the receivers in a safe, stable position that maintains access while preventing pinching injuries.
Data Source
AI summary
A strut tool including a hook portion for engaging an upper receiver assembly and a pivoting portion for engaging the takedown pin of a lower receiver assembly of a firearm that acts as a removable strut for holding the upper and lower receiver assemblies in a relatively aligned open angular position providing access to the inner bores and mechanisms of the firearm. The pivoting portion includes a bore accommodating the placement of the takedown pin in conjunction with the lower receiver assembly providing a pivotal connection permitting the angular alignment of the upper and lower receiver assemblies in an open and fixed position. The hook portion includes a takedown block engagement region that provides a means to accommodate the insertion and engagement of the takedown block present on the upper receiver assembly for the purpose of reversibly positioning and holding the strut tool in said relatively aligned position with respect to the lower receiver assembly. The hook portion optionally includes a upper channel with a longitudinal and semi-circular cutout region providing a guide slot for the relative positioning of cleaning and inspection tools with respect to the inner bore or breach of a rifle.