Adjustable Catch Lever for Rapid-Fire Weapon Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catch lever mechanisms in rapid-fire firearms often result in the gun being unable to be loaded when secured and can lead to uncontrollable firing due to malfunctions, as the safety device can jam and prevent the catch lever from moving out of its locked position, causing the slide to continue firing until ammunition is depleted.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable catch lever with a safety element that can be set between a release position and a safety position, allowing the catch lever to be moved into its non-locking position when the breech recoils, and fixed in its locked position when the closure advances, ensuring structural independence of locking and safety functions, thus allowing for reliable operation and loading even in a safe state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the safety device is designed to secure the catch lever in its locking position, then the safety against unintentional actuation is improved, but the ability to load the weapon when secured deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety element is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a safety position and a release position. When in the safety position, it engages with the safety device to secure the catch lever. When in the release position, it allows the catch lever to move freely for loading. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between safety and operational modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety element is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first adjusting element that interacts with the breech and a second adjusting element that interacts with the safety device. This segmentation allows independent control of the safety function from the loading function, enabling the safety element to perform both roles without compromise.
2Reliability
If the safety device is designed with high actuating forces to ensure safety, then the safety function is improved, but the risk of jamming the catch lever and causing uncontrolled firing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety element acts as an intermediary between the breech and the safety device. It transmits and modulates the forces between these components, allowing the high actuating forces from the breech to be converted into controlled movements of the safety element rather than directly jamming the catch lever. This intermediary function prevents the harmful effect of force transmission while maintaining safety effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety element's ability to move between positions allows it to dynamically respond to force applications. When the breech recoils with high force, the safety element can move to accommodate this force rather than creating a rigid jam, thus preventing uncontrolled firing while maintaining safety when needed.
3Reliability
If the catch lever is designed to be fixed in locking position by the safety device, then the safety against accidental discharge is improved, but the functionality for remote actuation and weapon station integration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The safety element's adjustable nature allows it to be dynamically positioned to accommodate different operational requirements. For remote actuation, it can be moved to the release position to allow catch lever movement. For manual safety, it can be positioned to engage with the safety device. This dynamic adaptability enables both safety and remote actuation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety element serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety engagement component when positioned for safety, as a release mechanism when positioned for operation, and as an interface for both manual and remote actuation systems. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component adaptable to different operational modes including weapon station integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the reliability of the catch lever mechanism by allowing unhindered movement of the breech for loading and preventing uncontrolled firing, ensuring the safety device can be actuated effectively in any functional state without component collision, and allowing loading in the safe state.
Implementation Method 1
Trigger (a) and catch lever (f) can each be cushioned or prestressed by a separate or a common spring and are pressed by this into their rest position (trigger) or their locked position (catch lever)
Implementation Method 2
When a detent formed on the underside of the breech has passed over the sear (s), it snaps up and overrides the detent. The weapon is now cocked and ready to fire.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a catch (21), especially for a triggering mechanism of a rapid fire weapon that comprises a breechblock (3) and a securing device (40; 140). The catch (21) can be moved between a position blocking the breechblock (3) and a position not blocking the breechblock and is fitted with a securing element (101; 201; 301). Said securing element (101; 201; 301) can be moved relative to the catch (21) between a releasing position (II) and a securing position (I) and adopts the releasing position (II) as the returning breechblock (3) engages with the catch (21) and actuates the securing element (101; 201; 301) in a rearward direction; said element does not engage with the securing device (40) in this position (II) even when the securing device (40) is simultaneously in the securing position. The catch (21) can then be moved into the non-blocking position. Alternatively or additionally, the securing element (101; 201; 301) adopts the securing position (1) as the breechblock (3) runs onto the securing element (101; 201; 301) and actuates the latter (101; 201; 301) in a forward direction, said element engaging with the securing device (40) in said position (1) when the securing device (40) is simultaneously in the securing position and blocking the catch (21) in the blocking position. The invention further relates to a triggering mechanism, a handle piece (1), and a weapon comprising such a catch (21) according to the invention.