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 with thermal expansion and require replacement of the entire assembly for modifications or damage, limiting customization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular receiver assembly design featuring multiple interlocking pieces, including a sub-receiver, dust cover, and grip frame, allowing for customization without replacing the entire assembly, with features like dovetail interfaces for secure attachment 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 adaptability for customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is divided into multiple separate components including a body, dust cover, grip frame, and trigger guard that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be customized or replaced individually while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized interfaces and mounting facilities.
2Weight of moving object
If plastic material is used for the receiver assembly, then weight is reduced, but thermal stability deteriorates due to expansion coefficient differences with steel
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly separates plastic and metal components into distinct parts (plastic body with metal dust cover and grip frame) rather than attempting to create a thermally stable composite. This allows each material to perform optimally in its designated zone while being connected through mounting facilities that accommodate thermal expansion differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs a composite construction combining plastic and metal materials in a modular fashion. The plastic body provides lightweight structure while metal components (dust cover, grip frame) provide thermal stability and durability. The modular interface allows these different materials to work together without thermal expansion conflicts.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire receiver assembly must be replaced for modifications or damage, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is segmented into replaceable components (dust cover, grip frame, trigger guard) that can be individually removed and replaced without affecting the entire assembly. This maintains manufacturing precision through standardized mounting facilities while dramatically reducing maintenance time by allowing spot-replacement of only the damaged or upgraded component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static one-piece assembly to a dynamic modular configuration where components can be easily attached and detached. The mounting facilities enable quick interchange of parts, allowing the system to adapt to maintenance needs without requiring complete assembly replacement, thus reducing downtime while maintaining precision through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Pistols have a body having a grip, the body having a trigger guard, the body having an upper slide interface surface defining a slide interface plane, the body having a first mounting facility at a forward end below the slide interface plane and at a level above at least a portion of the trigger guard, a dust cover having a rear end having a second mounting facility adapted to removably dock with the first mounting facility in an attached position, the dust cover defining an upper surface in the slide interface plane when the dust cover is in the attached position, and the first mounting facility and second mounting facility comprising a sliding interface. The sliding interface may be a dovetail feature.