Free-Floating Rifle Rail and Barrel Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available rifle rail and barrel systems are difficult to attach and detach without specialized tools and expertise, limiting the ability of shooting enthusiasts to quickly change or add accessories like KeyMod and M-Lok systems.
Innovation Solution
A free-floating, quick release rifle rail and barrel locking system that uses a hand-activated lever/latch system to easily detach from the rifle main body without tools, allowing for rapid interchange of rail and barrel assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available rail systems are securely attached to the rifle, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal without specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible attachment. The lever/latch system allows the rail assembly to be securely locked during use but easily released when needed, enabling the attachment state to change from fixed to movable based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the user to perform the attachment and detachment operations themselves without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The lever/latch mechanism is designed to be operated by hand, allowing the user to service the attachment system directly
2Manufacturing precision
If commercially available rail systems use specialized attachment interfaces, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to requirement for specialized tools and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The complex specialized attachment interface is extracted and replaced with a simplified lever/latch mechanism. The essential locking function is separated from the complex interface requirements, allowing standard interfaces to be used while maintaining secure attachment through the lever/latch system
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex specialized interfaces to achieve secure attachment, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple lever/latch system that can work with standard interfaces. The complexity is moved from the interface design to the locking mechanism, which is then simplified through the lever action
3Reliability
If rail and barrel assemblies are permanently attached to the rifle, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to inability to quickly change accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is made dynamic rather than permanent, allowing quick transitions between attached and detached states. The lever/latch mechanism enables rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining stable connection during use, adapting the attachment state to operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The lever/latch system is pre-configured in the attachment mechanism, so that when attachment or detachment is needed, the action can be initiated immediately without requiring tool preparation or complex setup steps
Data Source
AI summary
A free-floating rifle rail and barrel locking system that provides a barrel assembly and rail assembly, which is detachable from the main body of a rifle without tools. This is advantageous for quick field breakdown and/or rifle modification. The user has the option to disassemble the rifle for easy transport, to change barrel length, to change barrel caliber or change rail configurations. The rails are free-floating, meaning the rails do not come in contact with the barrel and thus do not impact the precision of the rifle.