Polymer Handgun Frame with Embedded Metallic Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handgun frames made from polymeric materials face challenges in mechanical strength and manufacturing complexity, leading to increased costs and aesthetic issues due to the need for thicker frames to compensate for material weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
The integration of metallic rails within a polymeric frame, where the rails are positioned within a channel of the frame and secured using pins and protrusions, allowing for durable metal-to-metal contact and improved mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymer frame manufacturing is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymeric frame material with metallic rail components to create a composite structure. The polymer provides ease of manufacture through injection molding, while the embedded metal rails provide enhanced mechanical strength and wear resistance at critical contact points, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire frame thicker to compensate for polymer weakness, the patent applies metallic reinforcement only at specific locations where mechanical strength is needed (the rail contact areas). This localized quality enhancement maintains overall frame aesthetics and ergonomics while providing targeted strength improvements.
2Strength
If polymer frame thickness is increased to compensate for material weakness, then mechanical strength is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reinforces the frame structure only at critical locations by embedding metal rails within the polymer, rather than increasing the overall frame thickness. This allows the frame to maintain its original aesthetic appearance and ergonomic profile while achieving the necessary mechanical strength through localized reinforcement at the rail contact points.
3Strength
If multiple metal rail components are individually encased in polymer, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple metal rail components into a single integrated rail assembly that is then embedded in the polymer frame as one unit. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate embedding operations required, while still providing the necessary mechanical strength through the combined rail structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal rail components are pre-assembled and prepared before being embedded in the polymer frame during the injection molding process. This preliminary preparation of the rail assembly allows for more efficient manufacturing, as the rails are already configured and positioned correctly before the polymer is molded around them, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A handgun is disclosed. The handgun contains a frame composed of polymer material, the frame contains a channel formed therein, wherein the channel contains sides, and a forward rail positioned within the channel.