Modular Pistol Receiver Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automatic pistols with one-piece receiver assemblies require replacement of the entire assembly for modifications or damage, and the thermal expansion differences between steel and plastic cause issues with heat management and durability.
Innovation Solution
A modular receiver assembly design comprising multiple interlocking pieces, allowing for customization without replacing the entire assembly, with options for both plastic and metal construction to address thermal expansion and durability concerns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece receiver assembly is used, then manufacturing simplicity and structural integrity are improved, but customization flexibility and repairability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is divided into multiple separate components including a body, trigger guard assembly, magazine assembly, and upper frame assembly that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation enables individual components to be customized, replaced, or repaired without affecting the entire receiver assembly, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and customization flexibility.
2Strength
If a one-piece receiver assembly is used, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and component replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly is segmented into multiple components connected through standardized interfaces and mounting facilities, allowing damaged parts to be replaced individually while maintaining overall structural integrity through proper assembly connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables individual components to be discarded when damaged or obsolete and replaced with new or refurbished parts, while the remaining functional components are recovered and reused, significantly reducing repair time and cost compared to replacing the entire one-piece assembly.
3Weight of moving object
If plastic material is used for receiver assembly, then weight reduction is improved, but thermal expansion compatibility and heat management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver assembly employs composite construction with plastic components (body, magazine assembly) combined with metal components (trigger guard assembly, upper frame assembly). This composite approach allows each material to be used where it performs best - plastic for weight reduction and metal for thermal stability - resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and thermal expansion compatibility.
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 extensive customization and improved durability by allowing individual components to be replaced or modified, while managing thermal expansion through a modular design that can include metal components for enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
a rear-facing second bearing surface adapted to abut the first bearing surface when in the connected position to transmit recoil forces from the upper frame assembly to the body
Data Source
AI summary
Pistols have a body having a grip, the grip defining a magazine passage, the body having a trigger guard defining a trigger space, the body having an upper surface, the body having a first mounting facility, an upper frame assembly removably connected to the body in a connected position, the upper frame assembly including a trigger element extending into the trigger space when in the connected position, a protrusion extending upward from the upper surface of the body, the protrusion having a forward-facing first bearing surface, and the upper frame assembly having a rear-facing second bearing surface adapted to abut the first bearing surface when in the connected position to transmit recoil forces from the upper frame assembly to the body. The upper frame assembly may have a slide rail. The upper frame assembly may define a horizontal slide plane.