Laser-Induced Firearm Grip Surfaces to Reduce Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved methods and devices to mitigate slippage between the surfaces of firearms and users, as well as between belts and pulleys in automobile engines, to enhance grip and reduce noise.
Innovation Solution
A pulley assembly with a body and shaft mount, secured by bolts, featuring laser-infused friction lines or material to increase friction, and a method of applying particulate matter using a laser beam to fuse it to the surface, enhancing the coefficient of friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a smooth surface is used on firearm components, then manufacturing is easier and surface finish is better, but friction is reduced causing slippage between the firearm and user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser-induced friction lines only to specific gripping surfaces of firearm components (handguard, pistol grip, stock) while leaving other surfaces smooth. This localized application provides enhanced friction where needed for user grip while maintaining ease of manufacture on non-grip surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical methods of creating friction surfaces (such as knurling or bead blasting) with laser-induced friction lines. This substitution allows for precise control of friction characteristics while maintaining a smooth base surface, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and friction generation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a smooth surface is used on pulley assemblies, then manufacturing is simpler and surface quality is better, but friction with the belt is reduced causing slippage and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser-induced friction lines specifically to the outer surface of the pulley assembly where the belt contacts, while keeping the rest of the pulley surface smooth. This localized treatment ensures reliable belt grip without compromising the overall surface quality or manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surface treatment methods with laser-induced friction lines on the pulley surface. This provides controlled friction enhancement for belt grip while maintaining a smooth base surface and simple manufacturing process.
3Force
If traditional mechanical methods are used to create friction surfaces, then friction is increased, but manufacturing complexity and surface roughness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical methods (knurling, bead blasting, chemical etching) with laser-induced friction lines. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining effective friction enhancement, as the laser can directly create the desired surface pattern without additional tooling or multiple processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses laser parameters (power, speed, pattern) to control the friction surface characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the manufacturing process can be optimized to achieve the desired friction level with minimal surface roughness and manufacturing complexity.
4Force
If laser-induced friction lines are applied to firearm surfaces, then friction and grip are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
While the laser process adds a new step, it replaces multiple traditional mechanical operations (masking, knurling, bead blasting, chemical treatment) with a single laser processing step. This substitution actually simplifies the overall manufacturing process while achieving superior friction enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-induced friction lines can be created by adjusting laser parameters (power, speed, pattern) without changing the fundamental manufacturing process. This flexibility allows for optimization of the process to minimize complexity while maximizing friction improvement.
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
The solution effectively reduces slippage and noise by increasing friction, providing better grip and stability in both firearm handling and pulley operations.
Implementation Method 1
The heat may be generated by a laser beam that traces a desired pattern of friction lines
Implementation Method 2
fusing the applied particulate matter to the outer surface by heating the outer surface and the particulate matter
Implementation Method 3
The laser may be used to remove material and to create a rough surface on the outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly
Implementation Method 4
The outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly has a pattern of friction lines for increasing the frictional forces between the outer surface of the body of the pulley assembly and the belt driving the pulley
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm having a laser induced friction surface. A method for forming the laser induced friction surface on the firearm may includes the steps of disposing the laser machine adjacent to a component of the firearm, adjusting the laser machine, then applying the laser beam of the laser machine onto a component surface.