Modular Grenade Launcher Chassis With Quick-Attach Barrel Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current grenade launcher systems lack modularity and ease of attachment/removal from firearms, and do not allow for interchangeable barrels or accessory rail sections, limiting versatility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular grenade launcher system with a chassis that can be easily attached and detached from firearms, featuring interchangeable barrel assemblies and accessory rail sections, allowing for quick changes and configurations, including standalone use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If grenade launcher systems are made modular with quick-attach/detach capabilities, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interchangeable components and fastening mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and removal easeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grenade launcher system is divided into modular components including the chassis, barrel assembly, trigger assembly, and accessory rail sections that can be independently attached and detached. The barrel assembly itself is segmented into the barrel, handguard, and mounting components. This segmentation enables quick reconfiguration while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different barrel assemblies (e.g., 40mm grenade launcher, 25mm airburst grenade, rifle barrels) and accessory rail sections. The standardized quick-attach mechanism provides multi-functional use across different mission requirements, improving ease of operation despite the variety of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interchangeable barrels and accessory rail sections are provided, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity and quantity of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis incorporates universal mounting interfaces and standardized attachment mechanisms that work with multiple barrel types (40mm grenade launcher, 25mm airburst grenade, rifle barrels) and accessory rail sections. This universality allows a single chassis to perform multiple functions without requiring complex specialized mounting systems for each component type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the user to quickly swap between different barrel assemblies and accessory rail sections based on mission requirements. The quick-attach mechanism facilitates this dynamic adaptation, allowing the system to evolve from a fixed configuration to a flexible, task-specific configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If quick-attach/detach mechanisms are implemented, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential attachment failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfiguration speedVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrel assembly and trigger assembly are pre-configured with complementary mounting interfaces that align with corresponding receptacles on the chassis. The fastening mechanism includes pre-positioned fasteners and engagement features that ensure proper alignment and secure attachment before the user completes the connection, reducing the risk of attachment failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-attach mechanism incorporates self-locking or self-seating features where the components automatically engage and secure themselves when brought into proper alignment. This self-service capability reduces dependency on complex manual fastening procedures while maintaining reliable attachment, balancing productivity with reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10578396B2Modular grenade launcher system
Publication Date: 2020.03.03 WILCOX IND CORP CORP
  • US10578396B2 patent drawing
  • US10578396B2 patent drawing
  • US10578396B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular grenade launcher system includes an upper chassis and lower chassis secured on opposite sides of a barrel of a weapon, such as a firearm. The chassis removably receives any of a plurality of interchangeable modules, including grenade launcher assemblies having different calibers. A separate modular and removable firing mechanism is provided, wherein multiple grenade launcher barrel assemblies can share a common firing mechanism. An accessory rail module is also provided to replace the grenade launcher barrel assembly and firing mechanism.