Rubber Panel with Integrated Protrusions for Firearm Rail Grip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hard plastic panels used in firearm accessories do not provide an adequate gripping surface and require separate mechanical fasteners for attachment to a rail system, which can be costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A rubber panel with an elongated body featuring a gripping surface on one side and attachment protrusions on the other, designed to attach directly to various firearm rail systems without additional fasteners, such as KeyMod or M-LOK systems, using integrally formed protrusions that fit into rail system keyholes or slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If hard plastic panels are used for firearm accessories, then structural strength is maintained, but gripping surface quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidgripping surface quality

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel uses a composite structure combining hard plastic and rubber materials. The hard plastic provides structural strength and rigidity, while the rubber portion provides superior gripping surface quality. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties into a single functional component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If separate mechanical fasteners are used for attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel integrates attachment protrusions directly into its body structure, merging the attachment function with the panel itself. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability through the integrated design that directly engages with the rail system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel performs its own attachment function through integrated protrusions that self-align and engage with the rail system keyholes or slots. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional fastening components, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If hard plastic panels are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but user comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel combines hard plastic and rubber materials in a single integrated structure. The hard plastic portions can be manufactured using cost-effective methods, while the rubber portions provide enhanced user comfort and grip. This composite design balances manufacturing considerations with user comfort requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9625233B2Rubber panel attachable to a rail system of a firearm

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 DANIEL DEFENSE

AI summary

A rubber panel attachable to a rail system of a firearm is disclosed herein. The rubber panel may include an elongated body comprising a first side, a second side, an upper edge, a lower edge, a first end, and a second end. The rubber panel also may include a gripping surface disposed on the first side of the elongated body. Moreover, the rubber panel may include at least one attachment protrusion disposed on the second side of the elongated body.