Modular Firearm Lower Receiver With Interchangeable Upper Calibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearms are limited to firing a single fixed type of ammunition, requiring separate firearms for different calibers, which increases costs and maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
A modular firearm design featuring a common lower receiver that can be coupled with interchangeable upper receivers of different calibers, utilizing a buffer assembly with a biasing member and buffer member to accommodate various bullet sizes, allowing the firearm to fire multiple types of ammunition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a firearm is designed to fire a single fixed caliber, then the structural design is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different ammunition types is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is divided into modular components: a common lower receiver and interchangeable upper receivers. Each upper receiver is designed for a specific caliber, allowing users to swap upper receivers to change calibers. This segmentation enables caliber adaptability while keeping the lower receiver design simple and consistent across all configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower receiver is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of upper receivers through standardized interface features. This multi-functionality allows a single lower receiver to support various calibers by simply changing the upper receiver, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate firearms are used for different calibers, then each firearm is optimized for its specific purpose, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple caliber-specific upper receivers are merged with a single common lower receiver to create a multi-caliber firearm system. This combination allows users to own one firearm platform instead of multiple separate firearms, reducing overall cost and maintenance requirements while maintaining caliber flexibility through the interchangeable upper receivers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with interchangeable upper receivers is implemented, then adaptability to different calibers is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design applies local quality by making only the upper receiver portion interchangeable and caliber-specific, while keeping the lower receiver standardized and consistent. This localized modularity provides multi-caliber capability where needed without unnecessarily complicating the entire firearm system, as the common lower receiver maintains simple, consistent design elements.
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 a single firearm to adapt to multiple calibers without the need for separate weapons, reducing costs and maintenance while allowing quick configuration changes, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and reducing mission time loss.
Implementation Method 1
The buffer assembly includes a biasing member and a buffer member. The buffer member is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm having a lower receiver is provided. The receiver is adapted to couple with a plurality of upper receivers having different calibers. The lower receiver comprises a receiver extension having an opening therein. A spring is disposed within the opening. A buffer member is provided having a first portion having an end. The buffer member is coupled to the spring within the opening, wherein the buffer member is movable between a first position where the end is within the opening and a second position wherein the end external to the opening.