Semi-Automatic Rifle Modular Receiver Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rifle designs, such as the M1 and M14, require complex machining operations and limit customization and ease of maintenance due to their design and manufacturing processes, which complicates the integration of accessories and parts replacement.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic rifle design that combines an M1/M14-style barrel group with an AR-style lower receiver, featuring a modular upper receiver with a screwed-on sight rail and recoil lugs for easier assembly and maintenance, along with a hand guard that covers the operating rod for enhanced safety and accuracy, allowing for the use of AR-style accessories and interchangeable parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional M1/M14 design is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rifle is divided into distinct modular components: upper receiver assembly (barrel, gas system, bolt) and lower receiver assembly (trigger group, magazine well, stock). This segmentation allows independent manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the proven reliability of traditional M1/M14 mechanisms in the upper receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lower receiver is designed with universal features compatible with both traditional M1/M14 platforms and modern AR-style accessories. The receiver includes integrated features for both legacy and contemporary components, enabling multi-functionality and reducing the need for separate designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional M1/M14 design is used, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the upper and lower receivers into independent assemblies, each can be manufactured and prepared simultaneously. The upper receiver with its traditional M1/M14 components and the lower receiver with AR-style features can be produced in parallel, then assembled together, significantly reducing total manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates pre-configured assemblies such as the upper receiver group with integrated barrel, gas system, and bolt, along with pre-fitted lower receiver components. This preliminary assembly of sub-components before final integration streamlines the overall manufacturing process and reduces time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If fixed magazine design is used, then simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine system transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic, interchangeable system. The lower receiver includes a magazine well designed to accommodate various magazine types (box magazines, clip magazines, extended capacity magazines), allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The receiver is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that enable compatibility with multiple magazine types and accessories. This universality allows a single receiver design to support diverse ammunition feeding mechanisms and accessory configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If side-mounted optics are required, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handguard is merged with the receiver assembly to form an integrated unit that incorporates accessory mounting rails. This merging eliminates the need for separate side-mounted optic mounts, as the handguard itself provides the mounting interface, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability for optics and accessories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handguard is designed with universal accessory mounting capabilities (such as Picatinny rails) that enable the attachment of various optics, lights, and other accessories. This multi-functional design allows a single handguard to serve both protective and mounting functions, reducing the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12196516B2Semi-automatic rifle and retrofit magazine

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 MK36 HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A lower receiver assembly of a rifle including a lower receiver having a magazine well formed thereon between a distal end and a proximal end, the lower receiver operable to receive a trigger assembly including a trigger, a hammer, and a firing pin. The lower receiver can include an operating rod retention tab coupled with an upper surface of the receiver and the operating rod retention tab extends above the upper surface and is operable to be received in a groove formed in a receiver of an upper receiver.