Modular Gunstock Insert for Firearm Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in designing and maintaining a diverse range of gunstocks to accommodate various gun mechanisms, as each combination of size and shape requires separate production, leading to high costs and potential delays in supply.
Innovation Solution
A modular gunstock system with a cavity that accepts interchangeable inserts, allowing the same gunstock configuration to be used with multiple gun mechanisms without modification, featuring a unified buttstock, midstock, and forestock portions with a contoured insert assembly that engages the gun action and floorplate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers produce a variety of different gunstock sizes and shapes to accommodate different firearm mechanisms, then the adaptability of the gunstock system improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gunstock system is divided into two main segments: a universal gunstock body and interchangeable inserts. The insert is a separate component that can be removed and replaced, allowing the same gunstock to accommodate different firearm mechanisms without requiring multiple complete gunstock designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The gunstock is designed with a universal interface that can work with multiple types of firearm mechanisms through the use of different inserts. The cavity and mounting structure are designed to universally accept various insert types, making a single gunstock design compatible with multiple firearm configurations.
2Productivity
If manufacturers maintain an inventory of multiple gunstock permutations, then product availability improves, but inventory costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gunstock into a universal body and interchangeable inserts, manufacturers only need to maintain inventory of the insert components rather than complete assembled gunstocks for every possible configuration. This dramatically reduces the quantity of inventory needed while maintaining the ability to supply various gunstock styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows inserts to be easily removed, replaced, and reused across different gunstocks. This enables a circular inventory model where inserts can be recovered and reused rather than requiring separate inventory for each gunstock configuration.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturers design custom gunstocks for each firearm mechanism, then the fit and comfort improve, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The customization function is segmented into the interchangeable insert component, which contains all the mechanism-specific interface features. This allows custom-fitted inserts to be manufactured separately using standardized processes, then quickly assembled into the universal gunstock body, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inserts are pre-designed and pre-configured with the specific contours and interface features needed for different firearm mechanisms. This preliminary preparation of the insert component allows for quick assembly and easy replacement without requiring complex custom manufacturing each time a different mechanism is used.
Data Source
AI summary
A gunstock system is disclosed for use with a gun action and a gun floorplate of a gun. The gunstock system comprises a gunstock having a buttstock portion, a midstock portion, and a forestock portion, with the gunstock defining a cavity. The system further includes an insert assembly removably positionable in the cavity of the gunstock. The insert assembly has a top surface contoured to engage a gun action, and a bottom surface contoured to engage the gun floorplate.