Reversible Plates for Firearm Handedness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms are predominantly designed for right-handed users, leaving left-handed users to special order components, and the aftermarket industry seeks increased versatility to accommodate both left- and right-handed users with enhanced usability features.
Innovation Solution
A firearm design featuring a pair of reversible plates that can be removably coupled to the chassis, with one plate having a recess for the bolt handle and the other a quick-disconnect tool interface, allowing for easy interchangeability between right- and left-handed configurations and providing a dual function for carrying the firearm at an ideal height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firearms are designed for right-handed users only, then manufacturing and inventory complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is divided into modular components with standardized interfaces. The receiver, stock, and accessories are separate modules that can be independently configured and interchanged through standardized mounting points and attachment mechanisms, allowing right-handed and left-handed configurations without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The firearm employs universal mounting interfaces and standardized attachment points that accommodate multiple configurations. The same receiver can mount both right-handed and left-handed stocks and accessories through universal Quick-Disconnect (QD) interfaces, making the system multi-functional without increasing inherent complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If special-order components are provided for left-handed users, then customization accuracy is improved, but loss of time and increased cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Right-handed and left-handed components are merged into a single standardized platform. Both configurations use the same receiver, magazine, and accessory interfaces, allowing users to switch between handedness configurations using the same base firearm with interchangeable stocks and accessories, eliminating the need for separate special-order production lines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable plates are added to provide versatility, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable plates are designed with specific local features optimized for their function: the first plate has a recess shaped to receive the bolt handle for left-handed operation, while the second plate has a firearm tool interface for accessory mounting. Each plate's geometry is locally optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining a universal attachment interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A firearm and related methods and components are disclosed. The firearm has a chassis (102), a stock portion (104) coupled to the chassis (102), and a pair of reversible plates (110, 112) removably coupled to the chassis (102). Each of the pair of reversible plates (110, 112) is attachable to the chassis (102) at a first location (114) and a second location (116) opposing the first location. A first one (110) of the pair of reversible plates has a recess for receiving a portion of a bolt handle. A second one (112) of the pair of reversible plates has a firearm tool interface (122).