Polymer AR-15 Receiver Blank With Removable Insert Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in manufacturing their own AR-15 style firearm receivers due to high costs and complexity, and existing receiver blanks do not meet regulatory definitions, necessitating the development of easily manufacturable and compliant polymer materials.
Innovation Solution
A receiver blank comprising a polymer receiver body with an insert that is pre-manufactured and removable to convert it into a firearm receiver, using injection molding and co-molding techniques to address sink issues and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal receivers are manufactured, then strength and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal to polymer composite materials, specifically using injection-molded polymer receivers that maintain sufficient strength while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The polymer material allows for integrated成型 of complex geometries that would require multiple machining operations on metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining processes with injection molding technology. Instead of cutting and shaping metal through complex machining operations, the receiver is formed by injecting molten polymer into a mold cavity, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If receiver blanks are partially manufactured to avoid regulation, then ease of manufacture is improved, but regulatory compliance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the fire control cavity as an integral part of the polymer receiver from the beginning of the manufacturing process, rather than requiring consumers to perform additional machining operations. The receiver is delivered in a finished state that is ready for assembly, eliminating the need for consumers to cross the regulatory threshold by performing manufacturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer receiver design allows consumers to complete the assembly process without performing any manufacturing or machining operations. All critical features including the fire control cavity are pre-formed in the factory, enabling consumers to legally assemble their firearms without engaging in regulated manufacturing activities.
3Device complexity
If polymer materials are used for receivers, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but strength and durability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining polymer materials with reinforcement elements such as metal inserts or composite fibers within the polymer matrix. This composite approach allows the receiver to achieve the necessary strength and durability characteristics while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of polymer injection molding.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver blank includes a receiver body with a magazine well and an insert. The insert is located internal to the receiver body, and the insert is manufactured before the receiver body. The insert must be removed from the receiver body to convert the receiver blank to a firearm receiver.