M240 Barrel Trigger Housing Relocation for Compact Firearm Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The M240 machine gun has a design that results in unnecessary length and weight, making it cumbersome and difficult to transport, especially in combat situations, due to the trigger and grip being located near the rear of the firearm.
Innovation Solution
An adapter is introduced that moves the trigger and grip forward, allowing for a shorter overall length and improved ergonomics by relocating the trigger housing assembly and using an extended trigger housing assembly with a proximal leg to connect to the receiver, enabling a shorter butt stock and improved balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trigger and grip are located near the rear of the receiver, then the length of pull is sufficient, but the overall length and weight of the firearm increase, making it cumbersome to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger housing assembly is separated from the receiver and relocated to a forward position on the barrel assembly. This segmentation allows the trigger and grip to be positioned independently of the receiver, enabling a shorter overall firearm length while maintaining adequate length of pull through the extended trigger housing assembly with proximal leg.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger and grip are located near the rear of the receiver, then the length of pull is sufficient, but the overall length of the firearm increases, making it difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger housing assembly is repositioned from the traditional rearward location on the receiver to a forward location on the barrel assembly, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the barrel to accommodate the trigger mechanism. This dimensional repositioning allows the firearm to have a shorter overall length while maintaining functional length of pull through the extended proximal leg design.
3Weight of moving object
If the trigger housing assembly is moved forward on the barrel, then the overall length and weight are reduced, but the trigger location relative to the receiver changes
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger housing assembly serves as an intermediary component between the barrel and the shooter's hand. By positioning it on the barrel rather than the receiver, it creates a new structural relationship that reduces overall firearm length and weight while the proximal leg with engagement features maintains the necessary mechanical connection and functional integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An M240 machine gun barrel assembly with a barrel with a muzzle end at the distal end of the barrel and a breach end at the proximal end of the barrel; a handle connector connecting the barrel to a handle assembly; and the handle assembly having a free end and a connected end, the connected end operably connected to the handle connector; the handle assembly operable between a first position with the free end of the handle assembly pointing proximally and a second position with the free end of the handle assembly pointing distally.