Modular Firearm Chassis for Cross-Generation Slide Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular handgun systems, such as those by GLOCK® and ZEV Technologies OZ9®, face limitations in flexibility and customizability due to serialization issues, incompatibilities between different generations and calibers, and fixed accessory rail placements, requiring multiple serialized components for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular chassis and frame system where the chassis is adaptable for multiple generations and calibers, with a separate barrel locking block and optional accessory rail extension module, allowing for interchangeable components without serialization constraints, and customizable grip and rail configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a standard slide is used with a subcompact frame in existing modular systems, then the frame length is reduced for compactness, but the slide becomes incompatible requiring multiple frames
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm system is divided into separate modular components: frame, chassis, slide, and barrel. The chassis acts as an intermediary component that extends from the frame to support the slide, allowing the slide length to be independent of the frame length. This segmentation enables a subcompact frame to accommodate a standard-length slide through the intermediate chassis structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis serves as an intermediary component between the frame and the slide. It provides a mounting surface for the slide while being attached to the frame, effectively decoupling the length constraints of the frame from the slide. This mediator component allows incompatible lengths to work together harmoniously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frames are used for different calibers and slide lengths, then compatibility across configurations is improved, but the number of serialized components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple slide lengths and calibers through standardized mounting interfaces. The barrel locking block and ejector mechanisms are configured to work across different caliber configurations, allowing a single chassis to serve multiple functions that previously required multiple specialized frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of the frame and what would traditionally be separate caliber-specific components into a single standardized frame-chassis assembly. By merging the caliber adaptation functionality into the chassis and barrel locking block rather than requiring different frames, the system reduces the total number of serialized components needed.
3Device complexity
If accessory rails are integrated into the frame in existing systems, then the structure is simplified, but the rail placement is fixed and not adaptable to different slide lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory rail system is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The rail can be repositioned along the chassis or frame structure, allowing users to adapt the rail placement to match different slide lengths and configurations. This dynamic capability maintains structural simplicity while adding adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different generations of slides are used, then customization for specific applications is improved, but interchangeability between generations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different generations of slides to be used with the same frame-chassis system through standardized interface points. Each slide generation can have its specific characteristics optimized for particular applications while maintaining compatibility with the universal frame-chassis structure through standardized mounting and locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular firearm system has a frame with a grip configured to be held by a hand of a user and a receiving chamber formed within the grip. The system further has a chassis having a receiving channel and one or more sidewalls extending from a bottom portion of the chassis, the one or more sidewalls structured to fit within and be received by the receiving chamber of the frame. The system further has a barrel locking block structured to fit within the receiving channel of the chassis.