Reversible Backstrap for Firearm Grip Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Striker-fired firearms have complex and costly firing mechanisms due to additional components like striker catches, and existing grip size solutions for firearms are cumbersome and inconvenient, often leading to misplaced or lost interchangeable backstraps.
Innovation Solution
A reversible backstrap system with interchangeable grip surfaces that can be rotated 180 degrees to change grip depth and type, integrated into the firearm's design for simplicity and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable backstraps are provided for different grip sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome carrying and risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The backstrap is designed to be dynamically adjustable by rotating 180 degrees in the field, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. This allows the user to switch between different grip depths (first grip depth with first backstrap orientation, second grip depth with second backstrap orientation) without carrying multiple separate backstraps, thereby maintaining adaptability while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single backstrap component serves multiple functions by providing two different grip depths through reversible orientation. The backstrap acts as both a grip depth adjuster and a space-saving design element, eliminating the need for multiple separate backstrap components and reducing the overall complexity of the system while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If striker catch is positioned in forward path to hold striker, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates during field stripping due to additional displacement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The striker catch is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be displaced rearward during field stripping operations. This dynamic movement enables the striker catch to clear the striker protrusion and allow slide removal, while maintaining its reliable positioning in the forward path during normal operation to hold the striker in the cocked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The striker catch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a forward-facing engagement zone for reliable striker holding during normal operation, and a rearward-displaceable zone for field stripping. This segmentation allows the same component to perform both reliable striker retention and facilitate maintenance operations without requiring additional separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm with reversible backstrap and method of use. The firearm in one embodiment includes a frame defining a grip and a cavity therein, and a backstrap insert that is removably positioned in the cavity. The insert includes first and second backstrap grip surfaces that are each respectively disposed on opposite portions of the backstrap insert, such as a front portion and a rear portion in one embodiment. Preferably, the second backstrap grip surface is different than the first grip surface in some characteristic, such as thickness, profile or shape, material of construction, surface texture, etc. In one embodiment, the position of the insert may be reversed in the frame to selectively reverse the orientation of the first and second grip surfaces between front-facing and rear-facing in some embodiments to provide a user with a choice of grip surfaces. In some embodiments, this allows the user to change the grip depth of the firearm.