Pistol Grip Panel Retention via Interlocking Undercuts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm grip designs with screw retention systems often experience loosening due to recoil, leading to a compromised secure grip and potential quality perception issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pistol grip panel retention system that utilizes compliant buffers and a dovetail configuration for a buffer interference fit, limiting grip panel movement and preventing screw loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If screws are used to retain grip panels, then the grip panels can be easily installed and removed, but the screws become loose with use due to recoil
Solution Approach 1:
The grip panel includes a forward undercut that engages with a corresponding undercut in the frame before the screw is fully tightened. This preliminary mechanical engagement prevents the grip panel from moving forward during recoil, eliminating the loosening force on the screw and maintaining reliable retention without complicating installation
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is divided into two functional components: the undercut mechanism that handles recoil forces and prevents loosening, and the screw that provides simple installation and removal. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
2Reliability
If liquid thread locking solution is applied to screws, then screw loosening is mitigated, but screw removal becomes difficult and screw heads may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The loosening-prevention function is extracted from the screw and placed in the undercut mechanism. The screw's sole function becomes providing simple installation and removal, while the undercut handles recoil prevention. This extraction eliminates the need for thread locking solutions and their associated removal difficulties
Solution Approach 2:
The undercut acts as an intermediary mechanical feature between the grip panel and frame that absorbs recoil forces. By introducing this intermediate structure, the screw is shielded from experiencing loosening forces, allowing easy removal without thread locker while maintaining reliable retention
3Ease of operation
If grip panels are retained with simple screws, then installation is easy, but movement of the grip panel relative to the frame occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The forward undercut engagement occurs before the screw is fully tightened, establishing the correct positional relationship between grip panel and frame. This preliminary action ensures stable positioning without requiring complex adjustment procedures, maintaining both ease of installation and positional stability
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
This solution effectively secures the grip panels to the firearm frame, preventing loosening and ensuring a consistent, secure grip, while also enhancing the perceived quality of the firearm.
Implementation Method 1
At least one buffer is disposed between the forward frame undercut and the forward grip undercut
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm having a pistol grip panel retention system is provided, including a frame to receive grip panels. The frame has grip offset surfaces to receive the grip panels. The grip offset surfaces have forward frame undercuts. The frame and grip panels have fasteners to secure the panels to the frame. The grip panels have forward grip undercuts facing a trigger side of the frame to receive a forward frame undercut disposed on the sides of the frame. Each forward grip undercut engages the corresponding forward frame undercut by seating each grip panel in its grip offset surface and translating each grip panel toward the trigger side of the frame. Buffers are disposed between the forward frame undercut and the forward grip undercut. Each grip panel is inserted into a grip offset surface and translated forward to an engagement position.