Adjustable Receiver Cover with Self-Centering Spring for Optic Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optic mount solutions for AK-47 type rifles, such as side-mounted brackets and mounts integrated with the operating rod gas tube, face issues like heat damage, ergonomic discomfort, balance problems, and zero alignment issues, while conventional methods like drilling and tapping are not feasible due to the removable receiver cover.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable receiver cover with a low-mounted optic and accessory mounting surface, featuring a self-centering spring mechanism and cam locking system, which integrates with the rifle's existing structure without significant modifications, ensuring stability, ergonomic compatibility, and maintaining zero alignment during field stripping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If an optic mount bracket is attached to the side of the receiver, then a rigidly affixed optic mount is achieved, but the centerline of the optic is raised above the normal aiming line of sight, causing ergonomic discomfort and inaccurate cheek weld

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigid attachmentVSAvoidergonomic comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from side-mounted (lateral dimension) to top-mounted (vertical dimension) optic attachment. The mounting surface is positioned on the upper surface of the receiver cover, allowing the optic to be mounted directly above the barrel centerline rather than offset to the side, thereby maintaining proper ergonomic alignment with the shooter's eye and cheek weld position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of mounting the optic bracket on the side of the receiver as conventionally done, the invention inverts the mounting location to the top surface of the receiver cover. This inversion places the optic in the correct vertical position relative to the aiming line of sight, eliminating the need for the shooter to place the buttstock under their chin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the optic mount is located above the receiver cover to preserve field stripping capability, then the centerline of the optic is raised above the normal aiming line of sight, but this causes inability to co-witness iron sights through the optic lens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield stripping capabilityVSAvoidsight alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting surface is positioned on the top of the receiver cover rather than the side, and the height of the mounting surface is carefully controlled to place the optic at the correct vertical position. This allows the optic to be mounted high enough to clear internal components during field stripping while low enough to enable co-witnessing of iron sights through the optic lens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional drilling and tapping is performed on the receiver to accept scope rings, then optic mounting is achieved, but this is not possible on AK-47 type rifles due to the removable receiver cover

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptic mountingVSAvoidreceiver cover removability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains its traditional role as a protective cover while simultaneously providing a mounting surface for optics. The upper surface of the receiver cover is equipped with a Picatinny rail interface, allowing the cover to function both as a structural component and as an accessory mounting platform, eliminating the need for drilling and tapping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If quick release brackets are used for optic mounting, then field stripping capability is preserved, but the bracket does not precisely return to its point of aim or zero, requiring adjustment and realignment after each removal and installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield stripping capabilityVSAvoidpoint of aim precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The optic mount is integrated directly into the receiver cover structure rather than being a separate detachable bracket. The Picatinny rail interface is built into the cover itself, ensuring that the mounting surface remains fixed and stable relative to the receiver. This integration eliminates the positioning errors associated with detachable brackets while preserving the removability of the receiver cover for field stripping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8407925B2Firearm receiver cover having an accessory mount

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 FESAS NELSON A

AI summary

An adjustable receiver cover for a firearm having an integral accessory mounting structure and pivotally attached to the firearm. A front mounting tab adjustably attached to the cover body accommodates physical variances between examples of said firearm. The front of adjustable cover is pivotally attached to the firearm by a pin. The adjustable cover is firmly affixed at its rear by a cam locking release button. The adjustable cover is self centering by means of an integral spring apparatus.