Firearm Receiver Cover Latch for Repeatable Accessory Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm receiver covers, particularly on AK-47 platforms, suffer from manufacturing tolerances that compromise the secure and repeatable mounting of accessories due to movable covers, leading to inaccuracies and ergonomic issues.

Innovation Solution

A firearm receiver cover assembly with a latch system that includes a frusto-conical, pyramidal, or tapered latch button and opening for fixed, repeatable vertical and lateral positioning relative to the receiver, eliminating the need for user adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a moveable cover is used to provide access to underlying components, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to larger tolerances and movable nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to componentsVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cover assembly is divided into separate components: the cover body, the latch mechanism, and the receiver. The latch is designed as a distinct component with specific geometric features (tapered surfaces, conical surfaces) that engage with corresponding features on the cover and receiver to establish precise positioning relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is designed to automatically establish and maintain the correct positioning of the cover relative to the receiver through its geometric engagement features. The tapered and conical surfaces guide the cover into the correct position and maintain it during operation, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If larger manufacturing tolerances are employed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accumulated errors in positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidaccessory mounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch acts as an intermediary component between the cover and the receiver. It translates the rough positioning provided by larger tolerances into precise positioning through its geometric engagement features. The latch's tapered and conical surfaces mediate the relationship between the cover and receiver, ensuring accurate positioning despite manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the cover is made movable for tool-less opening, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional latch mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-less accessVSAvoidlatch mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of designing a complex locking mechanism that requires active engagement, the latch is designed to automatically engage and maintain positioning through its geometric features. The inversion of the traditional locking approach results in a simpler mechanism that uses passive geometric constraints to achieve the same function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20260092755A1Firearm Receiver Cover and Closure Assembly

Publication Date: 2026.04.02 MIDWEST IND INC

AI summary

A firearm receiver cover and closure assembly that allows the cover to be moved between respective open and closed positions relative to an underlying receiver. The closure assembly includes a latch that defines a latch button that cooperates with a latch button opening formed in the cover. Cooperation of the latch with the receiver and the cooperation of the latch button with the latch opening formed in the cover provide fixed and repeatable vertical and lateral positioning of the cover relative to the underlying receiver, without adjustment or operation of a centering mechanism or structure, during each closing of the cover relative to the underlying receiver.