Tool-less Guide Rod with Pivotable Blocking Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for disassembling Model 1911-pattern handguns require additional tools to compress the recoil spring, which can be inconvenient and prone to debris accumulation, and existing tool-less solutions are costly due to precision machining requirements.

Innovation Solution

A tool-less handgun recoil spring guide rod with an elongated slot and a pivotably movable blocking member that compresses the recoil spring, allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly without external tools, reducing manufacturing costs and debris issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tool-less guide rod with lever mechanism is used to compress the recoil spring, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to precision machining requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive, precision-machined lever mechanism with a simple wire or paperclip that can be easily obtained and disposed of after use. This temporary tool achieves the same function of compressing the recoil spring and blocking the guide rod without requiring complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the blocking function from the guide rod itself by using a separate, simple wire or paperclip inserted into a transverse hole. This separates the tool function from the permanent component, allowing the guide rod to be simple and inexpensive while the tool remains temporary and disposable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a tool-less guide rod with lever mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the blocking function from the guide rod itself by using a separate, simple wire or paperclip inserted into a transverse hole. This separates the tool function from the permanent component, allowing the guide rod to be simple and inexpensive while the tool remains temporary and disposable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transverse hole in the guide rod serves dual purposes: it allows the simple wire tool to be inserted for blocking, and it also serves as the normal passage for the guide rod pin during reassembly. The structure serves itself by eliminating the need for separate tool removal steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a guide rod with longitudinal trough and lever is used, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to debris accumulation in the trough

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoiddebris accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the blocking function from the guide rod itself by using a separate, simple wire or paperclip inserted into a transverse hole. This separates the tool function from the permanent component, allowing the guide rod to be simple and inexpensive while the tool remains temporary and disposable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the tool function from the guide rod structure by using a separate wire or paperclip instead of an integrated lever mechanism. This eliminates the longitudinal trough that would trap debris, as the simple wire tool does not create enclosed spaces where debris can accumulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient disassembly and reassembly of the recoil spring assembly without additional tools, improving maintenance convenience and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the design and reducing debris accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

a blocking member that is configured to fit entirely within the slot and pivotably movable between a first position entirely within the slot and a second position partially protruding from the slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

compression recoil spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11530887B2Tool-less guide rod

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 AGILE VENTURES LLC D B A COSAINT ARMS

AI summary

Provided is a handgun recoil spring guide rod having an elongated rod body configured to fit within a compression recoil spring. An axially elongated slot is formed transversely through the body and a blocking member that is configured to fit entirely within the slot and pivotably movable between a first position entirely within the slot and a second position partially protruding from the slot, such that it engages the recoil spring to hold the spring in a more compressed condition.