Compact Recoil Spring Buffer Relocating Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
AR-pattern firearms have an overall length disadvantage due to the receiver extension that houses the buffer and recoil spring, which is limiting when building compact variants like short barreled rifles or pistols, as existing solutions either use proprietary parts or are non-operable in their most compact form.
Innovation Solution
A recoil spring buffer apparatus that relocates the recoil spring and buffer assembly to a more space-efficient location on the upper receiver, reducing the overall length by approximately 9 inches and maintaining full functionality without proprietary parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver extension houses the buffer and recoil spring assembly, then the firearm maintains reliable operation, but the overall length increases by approximately 9.5 inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the buffer and recoil spring assembly from the longitudinal dimension (receiver extension at the rear of the lower receiver) to the vertical dimension (mounted on top of the upper receiver). This dimensional transition eliminates the need for a long receiver extension, reducing overall length by approximately 9.5 inches while preserving all operational functions of the buffer and recoil spring system.
2Length of moving object
If existing compacting devices are used, then the overall length is reduced, but they either use proprietary parts or are non-operable in their most compact form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the buffer mounting system to be universally compatible with standard AR-pattern firearms using common mil-spec components. The buffer mount attaches to the upper receiver's top surface (compatible with Picatinny or M-LOK rails), and the buffer assembly interfaces with the bolt carrier group through the ejection port, maintaining full operability across different firearm configurations without requiring proprietary parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the buffer and recoil spring assembly into separable components that can be independently mounted and adjusted. The buffer mount is a separate attachment device that interfaces with the upper receiver, while the buffer and spring assembly remain distinct components that can be assembled and disassembled independently, enabling universal compatibility and operational flexibility.
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
The solution effectively reduces the overall length of the AR-pattern firearm by relocating the recoil spring and buffer assembly, making it more compact while maintaining operability in its most compact form, and can be retrofitted with standard mil-spec parts.
Implementation Method 1
Discharge of the firearm causes rearward movement of the bolt carrier assembly out of battery and hence rearward movement of the bridge plate which stores energy in the recoil spring assembly, whereupon the stored energy in the recoil spring assembly causes the bolt carrier assembly to move forward back into battery
Data Source
AI summary
An AR-pattern firearm comprises an upper receiver, a housing positioned above the upper receiver and containing a recoil spring assembly, a bolt carrier assembly positioned in the upper receiver, and a bridge plate operably connecting the bolt carrier assembly to the recoil spring assembly. Discharge of the firearm causes rearward movement of the bolt carrier assembly out of battery and hence rearward movement of the bridge plate which stores energy in the recoil spring assembly, whereupon the stored energy in the recoil spring assembly causes the bolt carrier assembly to move forward back into battery.