Lateral Folding Firearm Barrel Assembly Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearms lack a compact and efficient mechanism for folding and unfolding, particularly for precision auto-loading firearms, which complicates storage and transport, as existing designs often require disassembly and tools.
Innovation Solution
A firearm design featuring a barrel and barrel extension that are pivotally secured within a forearm, allowing lateral pivoting relative to the receiver between assembled and folded positions without disassembly, utilizing a locking mechanism for secure assembly and easy folding, enabling compact storage and quick deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional threaded barrel-to-receiver attachment is used, then structural strength and reliability are maintained, but the firearm cannot be folded for compact storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is divided into separable components (barrel assembly and receiver) that can be independently positioned. The barrel assembly can be folded laterally relative to the receiver through a pivot mechanism, allowing compact configuration while maintaining threaded attachment for structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic system that allows lateral pivoting motion. The barrel assembly can rotate between a fired position (aligned with receiver) and a folded position (lateral configuration), providing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment through the locking mechanism.
2Length of moving object
If existing foldable stock designs are used, then overall length is reduced by approximately 8 inches, but the barrel and forearm require complete disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel and forearm are pre-assembled into an integrated unit with a lateral folding mechanism built into the forearm structure. This preliminary integration allows the entire assembly to be folded laterally relative to the receiver as a single unit, eliminating the need for complete disassembly while achieving compact length reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel, forearm, and folding mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly that pivots laterally relative to the receiver. This combination allows the entire front section to be folded compactly without requiring separation of individual components, simplifying the folding operation while achieving significant length reduction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral pivoting of barrel with forearm is implemented, then compact storage and transport are enabled, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the barrel assembly and receiver, providing secure attachment in the deployed position. The locking mechanism engages with the threaded connection to maintain structural integrity during firing, while allowing lateral pivoting motion for compact storage and transport configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm includes a receiver, a forearm pivotally attached to a distal end of the receiver, and a barrel having a barrel extension. A proximal end of the barrel and the barrel extension are secured within the forearm such that the barrel and barrel extension are laterally pivotable with the forearm relative to the receiver between a first assembled position and a second folded position. The forearm, barrel, and barrel extension may be secured to the receiver in the first assembled position for use of the firearm, after which the firearm may be folded for storage and/or transportation.