Modular Pistol Receiver Assembly with Dovetail Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automatic pistols with one-piece receiver assemblies made of plastic and metal face issues such as thermal expansion problems and the need for entire assembly replacement upon damage, limiting customization and repair options.
Innovation Solution
A modular receiver assembly design featuring multiple interlocking pieces, including a grip, sub-receiver, and dust cover, allowing for customization without replacing the entire assembly, with sliding interface elements like dovetail features for secure connection and easy modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece receiver assembly is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but customization and repair flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a grip module, slide module, and barrel module that can be independently replaced or customized while maintaining overall assembly functionality
2Strength
If a one-piece receiver assembly is used, then structural integrity is improved, but repairability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is segmented into modular components connected through robust interfacing mechanisms that preserve structural strength while enabling individual component replacement for repair purposes
3Weight of moving object
If plastic materials are used for the receiver assembly, then weight reduction is improved, but thermal expansion problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly utilizes composite construction combining plastic components with metal reinforcement elements and interfaces, achieving weight reduction while compensating for thermal expansion differences through material complementarity
4Reliability
If the entire receiver assembly must be replaced, then reliability is improved (ensuring no damaged parts), but loss of time and resources worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the receiver into replaceable modules, only the specific damaged component needs replacement rather than the entire assembly, reducing time and resource loss while maintaining reliability through component-level renewal
Data Source
AI summary
Pistols have a body having a grip, the grip defining an elongated magazine passage adapted to receive a magazine and defining a magazine axis, the grip having opposed left and right side walls and a front portion and an opposed rear portion, the body having an upper portion having a first linear interface element aligned with an attachment axis offset from the magazine axis, and a removable backstrap element adapted to overlay the rear portion of the grip and having a second linear interface element adapted to removably connect to the first linear interface element. The pistol frame may include slide rails defining a slide plane, and the first linear interface element may be parallel to the slide plane. The first linear interface element and the second linear interface element may comprise a sliding interface. The sliding interface may be a dovetail feature.