DESC:DESCRIPTION
Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of manufacturing of precision components. More specifically to manufacturing of a welded split receiver body system for supplying to manufacturers of LMG (Light Machine Gun), GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), and MMG (Medium Machine Gun) firearms.

Background of the Invention

The receiver body of a firearm is one of its most critical structural components, serving as the foundation that houses and supports essential mechanisms such as the barrel, trigger, sight, tripod, feed, and safety systems. In modern firearms, particularly Light Machine Guns (LMG), General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), and Medium Machine Guns (MMG), the receiver must withstand high operational stresses, recoil forces, and environmental conditions while maintaining precision and durability.

Traditionally, firearm receivers have been manufactured from monolithic metal blocks that undergo extensive machining to achieve the final shape. However, this method results in significant material wastage, increased production costs, and longer manufacturing cycle times. Additionally, in split-receiver designs, bolted or riveted assemblies introduce potential weaknesses due to mechanical play, misalignment, or component loosening under sustained use. These factors can compromise firearm accuracy, reliability, and long-term durability.

To address these challenges, the present invention introduces an advanced welded split receiver body that integrates the benefits of monolithic structural integrity with modular flexibility. By manufacturing the receiver body from rolled flat receiver plates and welding two symmetrical halves together, the design significantly reduces material consumption, improves strength, and enhances alignment precision. The use of EN24 steel, a high-strength material with excellent mechanical properties, further improves the durability and performance of the receiver while achieving a 21% reduction in material input and an 11% reduction in cycle time.

The invention incorporates dowel pins and precision-aligned dowel holes to ensure self-aligning properties before welding, minimizing assembly errors and enhancing manufacturing consistency. A rigid fixture is employed during the welding process to prevent thermal deformation, ensuring dimensional stability. Additionally, post-welding heat treatments, such as stress relieving and tempering, further enhance the mechanical properties, increasing the receiver’s fatigue resistance and longevity.

This innovative welded monolithic split receiver design offers significant advantages, including:
1. Enhanced Structural Integrity – The welded connection eliminates weak points caused by traditional fastening methods, improving firearm stability.
2. Improved Accuracy and Reliability – Eliminating mechanical play and misalignment issues enhances precision.
3. Optimized Manufacturing Efficiency – The process reduces machining requirements, minimizes waste, and shortens production time.
4. Increased Modularity – While the left and right halves are permanently welded, select components remain modular for ease of maintenance and customization.
5. Greater Resistance to Wear and Environmental Stress – The receiver withstands operational stresses, including high recoil and thermal expansion, ensuring longevity.
By integrating welding into the receiver manufacturing process, this invention modernizes firearm production while achieving superior performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Brief Summary of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of precision component manufacturing, specifically focusing on a welded split receiver body system designed for LMG (Light Machine Gun), GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun), and MMG (Medium Machine Gun) firearms. The innovation involves a two-part split receiver body obtained from rolled flat receiver plates, which are then welded together using a rigid fixture.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The primary objective of the present invention is to develop an innovative welded split receiver body that enhances the structural integrity, durability, and manufacturing efficiency of firearm receivers, particularly for Light Machine Guns (LMG), General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), and Medium Machine Guns (MMG).

One of the key objectives of the invention is to improve the structural strength of firearm receivers using a fully welded split receiver design. This eliminates weak points caused by mechanical fasteners. As a result, the firearm becomes more durable and long-lasting.

Another objective of the invention is to enhance firearm accuracy by ensuring precise alignment during assembly. Dowel pins and machined holes position components accurately before welding. This reduces vibrations and improves shot consistency.

One of the key objective of the invention is to make firearm manufacturing more efficient by using welded flat plates. This reduces material waste and production costs compared to monolithic machining. It also speeds up manufacturing while maintaining high quality.

One of the key objective of the invention is to allow easy maintenance and customization despite a welded structure. Key parts remain accessible for repairs, upgrades, and modifications. This enables users to adapt the firearm to different needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The invention provides a firearm receiver body system (100) comprising a two-part split receiver (1) fabricated from rolled flat receiver plates (2), precisely aligned using dowel pins (6) and fasteners, and joined through a high-strength welding process. The system ensures optimal weight distribution, structural reinforcement, and minimal machining requirements.
Additionally, the receiver integrates critical firearm components, including:
• Barrel mechanism ensuring proper alignment with the action.
• Trigger mechanism incorporating a sear, hammer, striker, and firing pin for controlled firing.
• Feed mechanism delivering ammunition from a magazine to the chamber.
• Heat treatment process enhancing mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to high-pressure forces.

Applications:
The welded split receiver body system finds application in the manufacturing of LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms. It serves as a crucial component in these firearms, providing structural integrity, housing internal mechanisms, and ensuring reliable performance. The innovation is targeted at firearms manufacturers looking for cost-effective solutions while maintaining high-quality standards.

Military and Defense: Enhances durability and reliability in LMGs, GPMGs, and MMGs used by armed forces. Withstands sustained fire and harsh environments with minimal maintenance. Ensures superior structural integrity for prolonged battlefield performance.

Law Enforcement & Special Forces: Provides stability and reduced recoil for SWAT, counter-terrorism, and border security forces. Enables quick response and improved accuracy in high-risk tactical scenarios. Enhances weapon maneuverability for urban and close-combat operations.

Firearm Manufacturing: Simplifies production by eliminating multiple machining and assembly steps. Reduces costs, minimizes material waste, and ensures consistent quality control. Streamlines manufacturing for faster and more efficient firearm output.

Sport Shooting & Civilian Use: Offers improved accuracy and stability for competitive and recreational shooters. Reduces recoil and weight, making firearms easier to handle for prolonged use. Ensures reliable performance in semi-automatic sporting and hunting rifles.

R&D & Future Weapon Development: Enables next-generation firearm designs with modularity and advanced materials. Supports innovation in lightweight, high-strength, and precision-engineered weapon platforms. Paves the way for future military and tactical firearm advancements.

Advantages:
Design Flexibility: A welded monolithic receiver body allows for greater design flexibility compared to a single-block machined receiver. Individual components can be precisely engineered for specific functions and then welded together, enabling more intricate and optimized structural designs. This flexibility makes it possible to accommodate different shapes, reinforcements, and functional requirements without the limitations of machining a solid billet.

Cost-Effectiveness: Welding multiple components to form a receiver body reduces both material and manufacturing costs. Compared to machining from a single billet, welding consumes less raw material and minimizes wastage. Additionally, the production process requires less machining time, which further cuts down on expenses, making it ideal for mass production applications.

Reduced Material Waste: Machining a receiver body from a solid billet often results in significant material wastage, as large portions are cut away to achieve the desired shape. In contrast, welding allows for more efficient use of materials, as only the necessary sections are fabricated and joined together. This method optimizes resource consumption and reduces environmental impact.
Increased Repairability: A welded receiver body offers the advantage of easier repairs and maintenance. In the event of damage or wear, specific sections can be removed and re-welded instead of replacing the entire receiver body. This extends the lifespan of the component and reduces long-term replacement costs, making it a practical choice for applications requiring durability and serviceability.

Improved Structural Strength: When properly executed, welding creates high-strength joints that can withstand significant mechanical stresses. Modern welding techniques ensure that welded seams maintain or even exceed the strength of the base material, reducing weak points. This results in a receiver body capable of enduring repeated use, impact forces, and harsh operational conditions.

Lightweight Optimization: By using welding techniques, manufacturers can strategically place materials to maintain structural integrity while reducing weight. This allows for an improved strength-to-weight ratio, making the component lighter without compromising durability. This advantage is particularly important in applications where weight reduction is critical, such as aerospace and firearm manufacturing.

Customization and Modularity: Welding enables the seamless integration of additional features, such as mounting points, reinforcement sections, and accessory attachment interfaces. This modular approach allows for easy modifications and upgrades without requiring a complete redesign. As a result, the welded monolithic receiver body can be adapted for different operational needs and future enhancements.

Efficient Production Scalability: The welding process is well-suited for mass production, as welded assemblies can be fabricated quickly and efficiently. Unlike CNC machining, which may require long cycle times for complex designs, welding reduces production bottlenecks and enhances manufacturing throughput. This makes it a cost-effective and scalable solution for industries requiring high-volume output.

Enhanced Thermal and Stress Management: A welded receiver body can be designed to handle extreme thermal and mechanical stresses more effectively than a machined counterpart. By selecting different materials for specific sections, manufacturers can improve heat dissipation, reduce localized stress concentrations, and enhance overall performance. This is especially beneficial for applications that involve high temperatures or heavy mechanical loads.

Versatile Application in Different Industries: The welded monolithic receiver body finds applications in various industries, including firearms, aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery. Its durability, adaptability, and manufacturing efficiency make it a preferred choice for demanding environments. Additionally, it supports both manual and automated manufacturing processes, allowing for greater flexibility in production and implementation.

In conclusion, the invention presents a welded split receiver body system for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, offering advantages such as cost reduction, manufacturing efficiency, material optimization, performance enhancement, and durability. It provides firearm manufacturers with a cost-effective solution while improving the overall performance and ease of use for performers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with an appended drawing, in which:

Fig.1 illustrates a system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.1 illustrates a system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.1 illustrates a system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig.1 illustrates a system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates an opened view of a welded split receiver body (1) of the system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3a illustrates raw material weight comparison, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3b illustrates raw material cost per piece comparison, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3c illustrates machining cycle time comparison, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Detailed Description of the Invention

It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The use of “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a system (100) is provided for manufacturing a welded split receiver body (1) for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms. The system incorporates a welded split receiver body (1), fabricated from rolled flat receiver plates (2) to optimize material utilization and structural strength. The receiver body (1) is designed to accommodate essential firearm mechanisms, including the barrel mechanism, trigger mechanism, and feed mechanism to ensuring precise operation and durability.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the system (100) is designed for manufacturing a welded split receiver body (1) for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, utilizing a two-part split receiver body (1) formed from rolled flat receiver plates (2). The receiver body (1) comprises a first symmetrical half (3) and a second symmetrical half (4), each featuring a plurality of dowel holes (5) and dowel pins (6) for precise alignment during assembly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first and second symmetrical halves (3,4) are made from EN24 material, which reduces the required input mass of material by 21%, contributing to a lightweight yet high-strength firearm receiver.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dowel holes (5) and dowel pins (6) are configured in a manner that facilitates self-alignment, ensuring precise positioning of the symmetrical halves (3,4) before and during the welding process.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the alignment mechanism, comprising dowel pins (6) and fasteners (7), ensures that the symmetrical halves (3,4) remain accurately positioned, eliminating misalignment issues and reducing manufacturing errors.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rolled flat receiver plates (2) undergo a normal hardening process, improving the mechanical strength and durability of the final welded receiver body (1).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the fasteners (7), selected from high-strength bolts, screws, or rivets, provide rigid pre-welding fixation of the symmetrical halves (3,4), maintaining structural stability before the welding process.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the symmetrical halves (3,4) are securely clamped within a rigid fixture (8) made of hardened steel or a heat-resistant alloy, preventing thermal deformation during the welding process and maintaining dimensional accuracy.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the welding process is selected from TIG welding, MIG welding, or laser welding, ensuring a high-strength fusion of the symmetrical halves (3,4) with minimal heat distortion.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the welded split receiver body (1) undergoes post-welding heat treatment, including stress relieving and tempering, to enhance mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, ensuring long-term durability.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rolled flat receiver plates (2) have a predefined grain orientation, further improving structural integrity and impact resistance of the final welded receiver body (1).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the welded receiver body (1) undergoes CNC machining, ensuring tight tolerances and a precise surface finish suitable for firearm assembly.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the manufacturing process results in an 11% reduction in cycle time, optimizing the design for manufacturability and increasing production efficiency.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the receiver body is designed to accommodate the barrel mechanism, ensuring precise alignment with the firearm action. The barrel is secured to the receiver body using a locking interface, preventing displacement during firing. This configuration ensures optimal barrel stability, reducing recoil effects and improving accuracy.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the trigger mechanism is housed within the receiver and includes a sear, hammer, striker, and firing pin. This mechanism is designed to initiate a controlled firing sequence by transferring force efficiently from the hammer to the striker and firing pin, ensuring reliable ignition of ammunition.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the feed mechanism is integrated into the receiver body to deliver ammunition from a magazine to the chamber. The feed system ensures a smooth, continuous supply of rounds, preventing misfeeds and enhancing firearm performance.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the welding process plays a crucial role in securing the first and second symmetrical halves into a monolithic receiver structure. The welding technique used is optimized to create a high-strength bond, eliminating structural weaknesses and ensuring long-term durability.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the receiver body undergoes a heat-treatment process after welding to enhance mechanical properties. The heat treatment significantly increases hardness, impact resistance, and resistance to high-pressure forces generated during firearm operation. This process ensures that the receiver maintains structural integrity under extreme conditions.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the design of the receiver body is engineered to withstand high-pressure forces upon firing, ensuring that energy is properly distributed across the structure. This prevents localized stress concentrations, reducing the risk of deformation or failure.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the modular design of the system simplifies the manufacturing process by minimizing excessive machining requirements. The use of rolled flat receiver plates, combined with pre-machined dowel holes and dowel pins, ensures that the final structure requires minimal post-weld finishing, thereby improving production efficiency.

Referring to Fig’s, Fig. 1 illustrates a system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms. The system (100) comprises a two-part split receiver body (1) obtained from rolled flat receiver plates (2), which form the primary structural components of the receiver. The receiver body (1) consists of a first symmetrical half (3) and a second symmetrical half (4), designed to be precisely aligned using a plurality of dowel holes (5) and dowel pins (6).

The alignment mechanism incorporates dowel pins (6) and fasteners, ensuring accurate positioning of the symmetrical halves (3,4) before welding. A rigid fixture (8) is employed to securely clamp and hold the symmetrical halves (3,4) in position, preventing displacement during the welding process. The fixture ensures that the receiver body (1) maintains its structural integrity throughout the manufacturing process. The rolled flat receiver plates (2) undergo a normal hardening process to enhance the durability and mechanical strength of the final welded receiver body (1). The barrel mechanism is securely attached to the receiver body (1) to maintain proper alignment with the action of the firearm, ensuring precision and stability during operation.

The receiver body (1) houses a trigger mechanism, which includes a sear, hammer, striker, and firing pin, configured to initiate a controlled firing sequence. Additionally, a feed mechanism is integrated within the receiver body (1), ensuring smooth ammunition delivery from a magazine to the chamber. The welding process is performed to fuse the first symmetrical half (3) and second symmetrical half (4) into a monolithic receiver structure (1), resulting in a high-strength, lightweight receiver with enhanced dimensional stability. The welding techniques used may include TIG welding, MIG welding, or laser welding, optimized to minimize heat distortion and improve production efficiency.

Post-welding, the receiver body (1) undergoes a heat treatment process, including stress relieving and tempering, to enhance mechanical properties, increase fatigue resistance, and improve overall structural integrity. The integration of EN24 material in the receiver body (1) provides a 21% reduction in the required input mass of material, contributing to weight optimization without compromising durability. The system (100) ensures efficient manufacturability by reducing machining requirements, improving production cycle time by 11%, and maintaining high precision through the use of self-aligning dowel pins (6) and pre-positioned dowel holes (5). The rigid fixture (8), constructed from hardened steel or a heat-resistant alloy, prevents thermal deformation during welding, ensuring consistent quality in mass production.

Fig. 2 illustrates an opened view of the welded split receiver body (1) is composed of two symmetrical halves (3, 4), which are precisely aligned and fused using dowel pins (6) and dowel holes (5) for accurate positioning during assembly. The welded receiver body houses critical components, including the barrel mounting section, trigger mechanism, and feed system. The barrel section is designed to securely attach the barrel and ensure proper alignment with the firearm's action. The trigger mechanism, including the sear, hammer, striker, and firing pin, is positioned within the receiver body (1) to facilitate a controlled firing sequence. Additionally, the feed mechanism is integrated to smoothly deliver ammunition from the magazine to the chamber, ensuring reliable operation.

The overall design of the receiver body (1) emphasizes strength, durability, and manufacturability. The use of EN24 material for the receiver body halves (3, 4) contributes to a lighter, stronger construction. The welding process used to fuse the halves is optimized to provide a high-strength bond with minimal heat distortion. The receiver body (1) undergoes post-welding heat treatments to enhance its mechanical properties, such as hardness and fatigue resistance. The modular nature of the receiver simplifies the manufacturing process, requiring minimal post-weld finishing.

The welded joints between the symmetrical halves create a monolithic receiver structure, improving strength while reducing machining requirements. The EN24 material composition (used for parts 3 and 4) enhances durability and reduces the overall input material by 21%. This design effectively minimizes machining time, raw material costs, and production complexity while ensuring a lightweight, high-strength firearm receiver.

Figure 3a illustrates raw material weight comparison. This bar chart compares the raw material weight required for manufacturing a solid receiver body versus a split receiver body. The solid body requires 33 kg of raw material, whereas the split body requires 26 kg, showing a 21% reduction in material usage. This optimization helps in reducing waste and improving cost-effectiveness.

Figure 3b illustrates raw material cost per piece comparison. This chart illustrates the cost reduction achieved by using a split receiver body instead of a solid body. The raw material cost for a solid body is ?8,250, whereas the split body costs ?4,030, demonstrating a 51% cost savings. This highlights the economic advantage of using the split receiver body design.

Figure 3c illustrates machining cycle time comparison. This graph shows the machining cycle time for both designs. The solid body requires 54 hours, while the split body takes 26 hours, reflecting a 52% reduction in machining time. This improvement accelerates production, reduces labor costs, and enhances manufacturing efficiency.
,CLAIMS:We Claim
1. A system (100) for manufacturing a welded split receiver body for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, comprising:
a. a two-part split receiver body (1) obtained from rolled flat receiver plates (2), wherein the receiver body (1) comprising a first symmetrical half (3), a second symmetrical half (4), a plurality of dowel holes (5), and a plurality of dowel pins (6);
b. the first and second symmetrical halves (3,4) made of EN24 material, resulting in a 21% reduction in the required input mass of material;
c. a plurality of dowel holes (5) and dowel pins (6) positioned on the symmetrical halves (3,4) to facilitate precise alignment during assembly;
characterized in that,
d. an alignment mechanism comprising dowel pins (6) and fasteners, ensuring accurate positioning of the symmetrical halves (3,4);
e. a rigid fixture (8) configured to securely clamp and hold the symmetrical halves (3,4) in position to maintain structural integrity during welding;
f. the rolled flat receiver plates (2) being subjected to a normal hardening process to enhance durability and mechanical strength of the final welded receiver body (1);
g. barrel mechanism secured to the receiver body (1) to proper alignment of the barrel with the action of the firearm;
h. trigger mechanism housed within the receiver body (1), comprising a sear, hammer, striker, and firing pin, configured to initiate a controlled firing sequence;
i. a feed mechanism integrated within the receiver body (1) configured to deliver ammunition from a magazine to the chamber;
j. a welding process configured to fuse the first symmetrical half (3) and second symmetrical half (4) into a monolithic receiver structure (1), ensuring high-strength, lightweight receiver with enhanced dimensional stability, eliminating the need for excessive machining post-welding.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the split receiver body (1) is manufactured with EN24 material, resulting in a 21% reduction in the required input mass of material.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the split receiver body (1) is subjected to a post-welding heat treatment process, including stress relieving and tempering, to enhance mechanical properties and fatigue resistance.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rolled flat receiver plates (2) have a predefined grain orientation, improving structural integrity and impact resistance of the final welded receiver.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second symmetrical halves (3,4) are welded together, resulting in an 11% reduction in cycle time and improved design for manufacturability.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dowel pins (6) and dowel holes (5) are configured to provide self-aligning properties, reducing misalignment errors during assembly.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fasteners (7) are selected from high-strength bolts, screws, or rivets, ensuring rigid pre-welding fixation of the symmetrical halves (3,4).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rigid fixture (8) is made of hardened steel or a heat-resistant alloy, preventing thermal deformation during the welding process.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the welding process is performed using TIG welding, MIG welding, or laser welding, ensuring high-precision fusion with minimal heat distortion.

10. A method for manufacturing a welded split receiver body (1) for LMG, GPMG, and MMG firearms, comprising the steps of:
a. providing a rolled flat receiver plate (2) made of EN24 material, obtained through normal hardening;
b. cutting the receiver plate (2) into two symmetrical halves (3,4), each having a plurality of dowel holes (5) for alignment;
c. inserting a plurality of dowel pins (6) into the dowel holes (5) to facilitate self-alignment of the symmetrical halves (3,4);
d. fixing the aligned symmetrical halves (3,4) together using fasteners (7) to maintain a rigid pre-welding structure;
e. clamping the fastened symmetrical halves (3,4) in a rigid fixture (8) to prevent misalignment during welding;
f. welding the symmetrical halves (3,4) together using a welding technique selected from TIG welding, MIG welding, or laser welding, ensuring a high-strength fusion;
g. performing post-welding heat treatment, including stress relieving and tempering, to enhance the mechanical properties and fatigue resistance of the welded receiver body (1);
h. machining the welded split receiver body (1) using CNC machining, ensuring tight tolerances and a precise surface finish for firearm assembly.