Modular Shotgun Sub-Assembly Design for Compact Ammunition Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-defense shotguns require a compact, reliable design with ample ammunition capacity and ease of manufacture and maintenance, which existing designs struggle to achieve effectively while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The firearm is composed of multiple sub-assemblies, including a lower receiver, upper receiver, butt stock, and magazine cut-offs, with secure mounting mechanisms and movable components for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for efficient ammunition management and preventing action lock-up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a compact shotgun design is used, then the overall length is reduced, but the barrel length and ammunition capacity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shotgun is divided into multiple sub-assemblies (upper receiver, lower receiver, butt stock, fore-end, magazine assembly) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized space utilization while maintaining overall compactness and full ammunition capacity through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine assembly is nested within the fore-end structure, and the fore-end is positioned within the overall receiver assembly. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization, allowing ample ammunition capacity to be integrated into a compact overall length without compromising barrel length.
2Length of moving object
If a bullpup configuration is used, then the overall length is reduced while maintaining barrel length, but the complexity of assembly and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bullpup configuration is implemented through clear segmentation into upper and lower receivers with defined interfaces. The upper receiver contains the barrel and magazine, while the lower receiver contains the fire control mechanism, creating a modular bullpup layout that simplifies assembly procedures and maintenance access despite the compact configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple magazines are integrated, then the ammunition capacity is increased, but the device complexity and risk of malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can be quickly detached and replaced. The same magazine structure serves both as ammunition storage and as a modular replacement unit, allowing rapid magazine changes to prevent malfunction propagation and maintaining system reliability while providing ample ammunition capacity.
4Ease of manufacture
If a modular sub-assembly design is used, then the ease of manufacture and maintenance is improved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shotgun is segmented into five major sub-assemblies (upper receiver, lower receiver, butt stock, fore-end, magazine assembly) that can be independently manufactured using standard machining processes. This segmentation enables parallel production and simplifies quality control while the standardized interfaces between sub-assemblies reduce the overall complexity of final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Certain components are merged into integrated sub-assemblies to reduce the total number of discrete parts. For example, the magazine is integrated with the fore-end structure, and the butt stock is integrated with the lower receiver, creating fewer interface points and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A shotgun is formed of sub-assemblies which include a lower receiver upon which a butt stock and an upper receiver are mounted. The lower receiver houses the fire control mechanism, the butt stock includes an ammunition elevator and a breech cover. Magazine tubes, ammunition cut-offs, a selector, a selector interrupter and the barrel are mounted on the upper receiver.