Grenade Launcher Pivot Mechanism for Shooter Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grenade launchers lack a mechanism to easily accommodate left- or right-handed shooters, leading to inefficient configuration and potential misalignment during use.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism in the grenade launcher assembly that allows the barrel assembly to pivot to either side of the firearm, enabling easy configuration for both left- and right-handed shooters by using a barrel/breech lock release and interlocking joints, allowing the barrel to be positioned on either side of the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed barrel assembly is used in the grenade launcher, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability for different-handed shooters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one through the pivot mechanism. The barrel can be rotated between a first position (aligned with the bore) and a second position (offset to the side), allowing the grenade launcher to adapt to both left-handed and right-handed shooters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grenade launcher is divided into separable components including the barrel assembly, receiver, and pivot mechanism. This segmentation allows the barrel assembly to be independently positioned and secured in different configurations, enabling adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
2Ease of operation
If the barrel assembly is made movable to accommodate different shooters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism is pre-configured with locking positions that automatically align the barrel assembly when rotated to either the first or second position. This preliminary arrangement of locking features ensures that once the barrel is positioned, it automatically achieves a stable, locked configuration without requiring additional stabilization measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the movable barrel assembly and the fixed receiver. It provides controlled movement while maintaining structural stability through its pivot point and locking features, allowing the barrel to be repositioned while ensuring secure attachment in each configuration.
3Productivity
If a quick-release mechanism is implemented for barrel repositioning, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism is designed to be operated by the user through simple manual manipulation of the release lever, without requiring tools or complex procedures. The mechanism serves itself by using the user's existing actions (pulling the release lever) to accomplish the repositioning task, minimizing the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as spring-loaded detents and movable locking lugs that automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the release lever. This dynamic design allows for rapid transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick reconfiguration without complex manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A grenade launcher is provided comprising a chassis, a barrel assembly, and a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism comprises a first pivot bar on the barrel assembly extending transversely. The first pivot bar has a first hinge barrel disposed at one transverse end thereof and is attachable in a first orientation wherein the first hinge barrel is on a left side of the barrel assembly and a second orientation wherein the first hinge barrel is on a right side of the barrel assembly. A second pivot bar is disposed on the chassis and has a second hinge barrel disposed at one transverse end thereof. The second pivot bar is attachable in a first orientation wherein the second hinge barrel is on a left side of the barrel assembly and a second orientation wherein the second hinge barrel is on a right side of the barrel assembly. A pivot pin extends in vertical openings in the first and second hinge barrels and defines a pivot axis for pivoting movement of the barrel assembly between a closed position and either a left or a right open position.