Modular Sear and Trigger Housings for Firearm Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for forming integral rails and features in firearm frames is complex and time-consuming, limiting manufacturing efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A modular firearm frame design with removable housings that include slide rails, allowing for 'drop-in' insertion and secure attachment of trigger and sear mechanisms, replacing the need for integral rails on the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rails and other features are integrally formed on the firearm frame, then structural strength and operational reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the firearm frame into modular components: a base frame and separate modular housings for the trigger mechanism and sear mechanism. Each housing is manufactured independently and then attached to the frame, eliminating the need for complex integral forming of rails and features while maintaining structural integrity through standardized attachment interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal modular housings that can accommodate different trigger and sear mechanisms through standardized receptacles and attachment features. These housings serve multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding the slide, and housing operational components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If rails and operational features are integrally formed on the frame, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing time and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into a base frame and separate modular housings, the patent enables parallel manufacturing of components. The base frame can be produced independently, and modular housings can be manufactured simultaneously using different processes, then assembled together. This significantly reduces total production time while maintaining operational reliability through precise fit-and-fasten interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-configured receptacles and attachment features in the base frame during initial manufacturing. These pre-prepared interfaces allow modular housings to be quickly attached without requiring complex assembly operations, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while ensuring reliable operational integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a generic frame without integral rails is used, then manufacturing flexibility and ease of production are improved, but structural support for firing mechanisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structural support function from the base frame by adding separate modular housings that contain the trigger and sear mechanisms. These housings are designed with integrated rails and support features that provide the necessary structural strength, while the base frame maintains manufacturing flexibility. The modular design allows different housing configurations to be attached to the same generic frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular housings act as intermediary components between the generic frame and the firing mechanisms. These housings provide the specialized structural support and rail features needed for reliable operation, while the frame itself remains a simple, easily manufactured generic structure. The intermediary housings bridge the gap between manufacturing simplicity and operational strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm includes a frame, a slide, and modular sear and trigger mechanism housings. The frame has fore and rear receptacles integrally formed therein, e.g., upwardly open compartments accessible from the top of the frame. The modular housings house one or more operational components of the firearm, e.g., trigger and sear components, and are configured for “drop in” insertion into the receptacles. Each housing also includes a set of integral slide rails. For assembly, the operational components are attached to the modular housings, and the housings are dropped into the receptacles and secured to the frame. The slide is operably positioned on the slide rails for reciprocating movement thereon. The frame is provided without integral rails and other features for supporting the operational components. Instead, the rails are provided as part of the modular, drop-in sear and trigger mechanism housings, which also support the operational components.