Modular Weapon Quick-Connect Assembly and Hammer Firing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weapon systems require tools for assembly and disassembly, complicating maintenance and repair, and often rely on springs for firing pin tensioning, which can be unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A modular weapon design featuring rail and guide systems for mechanical connections, eliminating the need for tools during assembly and disassembly, and using a hammer-based percussion mechanism to tension the firing pin without a dedicated spring, ensuring reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional weapon systems use screw connections and tool-based assembly methods, then structural strength and connection reliability are improved, but assembly and disassembly complexity increases and maintenance time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The weapon system is divided into modular components (barrel assembly, receiver, stock, magazine) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each module features standardized quick-connect interfaces with bayonet-style lugs and corresponding slots, allowing tool-free assembly while maintaining structural integrity through precise geometric mating surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from static screw threads to dynamic bayonet-style quick-connect mechanisms. These features enable rapid engagement and disengagement through rotational motion, where the lug-slot interface provides both mechanical connection and alignment guidance, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and reducing assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If spring-based firing pin tensioning systems are used, then simple mechanism design is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to spring fatigue and inconsistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidfiring pin reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unreliable spring element is completely removed from the firing pin tensioning system. Instead, a dedicated tensioning mechanism using cam surfaces and lever arms provides consistent mechanical force to maintain firing pin readiness. This extraction eliminates spring fatigue issues while maintaining operational simplicity through pure mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-based elastic mechanical system is replaced with a cam-and-lever mechanical system that provides deterministic force application. The cam surface geometry ensures consistent firing pin tension through controlled mechanical motion, replacing the variable force characteristics of springs with precise geometric force transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If modular weapon components are designed for tool-free assembly, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fit and function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent fit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized quick-connect interfaces are designed with universal geometric features (lug dimensions, slot orientations, engagement forces) that work across multiple weapon platform variants. This universality allows the same connection mechanism to serve both rapid assembly functions and precise alignment requirements, reducing the need for variant-specific precision manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bayonet-style connection features incorporate self-aligning and self-centering geometric properties where the lug-slot interface automatically guides components into proper alignment during assembly. This self-service alignment mechanism reduces dependency on high-precision manual positioning and compensates for normal manufacturing tolerances through inherent geometric constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3320299B1Modular weapon
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP3320299B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3320299B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3320299B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The aim of the invention is to devise a weapon (100) which has a completely modular design. For this purpose, the weapon (100) is subdivided into weapon-specific assemblies which are designed as carrier units of the components and/or of the modular assemblies of the weapon (100). A first assembly can be a modular weapon housing (3). Said weapon housing (3) consists of a carrier unit into which a breech system of the weapon (100) and its components are built. Another modular assembly is a weapon cradle (2). Into this modular assembly the weapon housing (3) module with breech system is integrated. The weapon housing (3) module can be complemented with the weapon barrel module. In a specific embodiment, the weapon barrel module is a weapon barrel bundle (10) with at least one weapon barrel (5, 5', 5''). Another modular assembly, a weapon drive (1), is connected to the weapon cradle (2). Said weapon drive comprises an external drive (1.1) and the breech drive (35, 36, 37). The components are connected to the modular assemblies and the modular assemblies to each other by means of rails and guides (15.1, 21.1) and complementary rails and guides (3.1, 3.2) for the assemblies (3), by binders (31) and holders (33), by pins (33, 34), bolts (31.1, 2.6) and quick release fasteners (22,.2). The weapon according to the invention is preferably an externally powered weapon (100).