This frame is built on the design laid out by my previous Mini frames and Axe frames. The design needed to be modified in order to suit the Mini-GS foregrip system, which is completely different compared to the Mini/Axe foregrip because it's integrated directly into the frame, using a plastic "foregrip frame" with a rubber cover. The Mini-GS redesign offers improved ergonomics and a cheaper manufacturing process, but the design change requires a completely different approach to the VL frame concept.
The proposed design is shown below. The Mini-GS VL frame has the same grip handle shape used by the previous Mini/Axe frames, and a similar integrated air tube system. The bottomline air coupling connection with the Mini-GS regulator is different; I cannot use a spring-loaded system because the regulator has to slide into the T-rail slot, so the air coupling needs to be retractable to facilitate installing and removing the regulator.
The other changes involve the new integrated foregrip design. The GSVLX frame extends the foregrip forward by over an inch, using a similar concept as the Mini/Axe foregrip extenders, although this time the whole foregrip is integrated directly into the frame. A small "bridge" extender circuit board is positioned on top, which gets covered up with a separate "cover" component.
Integrating a foregrip extender directly into the frame was something that people request on occasion, for Minis and Axes. I had resisted this concept because the complexity is increased, and machining costs shoot up as a result. However, the Mini-GS frame requires this design change because there's no way to use an extended foregrip with the stock frame.
Prototype:
Once the design was laid out, a prototype needed to be made to test the compatibility with the rest of the marker. Of interest, the new bottomline air coupling system needed testing. The front of the frame needed to be tested with the stock "foregrip frame" plastic component, and the button pad hidden underneath. I also needed to test fit the grip panels to make sure they fit around the integrated air tube. Grip panel fit with the integrated air tube was initially a problem with Axe frames, because some grips have hard plastic protrusions sticking inward (which need to be cut away).
There were some changes needed for the frame before more can be made. Some light tweaking was needed for the button pad and circuit board connection, and some slight changes to the foregrip extender ergonomics. I also had to adjust the bottomline air fitting shape, to make it easier to remove after installation.
Here's some pictures of the frame installed on an actual marker. Generally speaking the project is ready to go forward to the next phase.
Once the first bridge board prototypes were available, I set out to test them too. Here you can see the new boards installed in their proper location.
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