Quick Release Takedown Pin with Intermediate Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing takedown pins for firearms only allow for two positions: engaged/locked and disengaged/unlocked, lacking an intermediate, partially engaged or inoperably locked position, which limits the modular functionality of firearms like the AR-15.
Innovation Solution
A quick release takedown pin that allows slidable engagement between engaged/locked, partially engaged/inoperably locked, and disengaged/unlocked positions, enabling partial rotation of the upper and lower receivers, with a design featuring a head, shank, and strategically positioned grooves and detent recesses to facilitate these positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional takedown pin with only two positions (engaged/locked and disengaged/unlocked) is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the functional versatility and operational flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pin's functional path is segmented into distinct positions (engaged/locked, partially engaged/inoperably locked, and disengaged/unlocked) through multiple grooves and detent recesses. This segmentation allows the pin to provide multiple operational states without requiring multiple separate components, thus increasing versatility while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin transitions from a static two-position design to a dynamic multi-position design. The addition of intermediate grooves and detent recesses enables the pin to assume multiple stable positions during operation, allowing the firearm to transition between different operational states (fully engaged, partially engaged/inoperable, fully disengaged) for enhanced adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If an intermediate partially engaged position is added to the takedown pin, then operational flexibility and safety control are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional features (multiple grooves, multiple detent recesses, intermediate positioning surfaces) are merged into a single pin component. This integration allows the pin to provide engaged/locked, partially engaged/inoperably locked, and disengaged/unlocked positions without requiring separate components for each state, thereby improving operational flexibility while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: securing the receiver in a fully engaged/locked state, providing a partially engaged/inoperably locked state for safety or transport, and allowing complete disengagement. This universality enables a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grooves and detent recesses are added to create intermediate positions, then the functional configurations increase, but the pin design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin's interaction path with the receiver is segmented into multiple discrete engagement zones through the addition of intermediate grooves and detent recesses. Each groove-detent pair creates a distinct stable position, segmenting the continuous movement path into discrete operational states. This segmentation enables multiple functional configurations (fully engaged, partially engaged, disengaged) while maintaining a relatively simple pin geometry that follows the segmented path.
Data Source
AI summary
A takedown pin for a firearm, having at least some of a head; a shank, wherein the shank extends from the head to a terminal surface; a projection extending from at least a portion of the terminal surface; a first groove or slot formed in at least a portion of the shank; a second groove or slot formed in at least a portion of the shank, wherein the first end of the first groove or slot is positioned at a spaced apart location from the first end of the second groove or slot; and a connecting groove or slot formed between the first end of the first groove or slot and the first end of the second groove or slot.