Adjustable Firearm Magazine Thumb Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no convenient way for manufacturers and gun owners to adjust or comply with varying state laws regarding the maximum cartridge capacity of firearm magazines, as existing solutions do not allow for easy adjustment of magazine capacity or provide a means to indicate the remaining ammunition.
Innovation Solution
A firearm magazine with a thumb slide mechanism that allows for adjustable cartridge capacity selection, secured by a set screw, and an indicator bar to show the number of remaining cartridges, along with a bolt and nut system to prevent capacity expansion, enabling compliance with different state laws and providing a visual check for compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a magazine is designed with fixed capacity, then manufacturing and structural simplicity are improved, but adaptability to varying state laws is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine incorporates a movable thumb slide that can be positioned at different locations along the magazine body to adjust cartridge capacity. The thumb slide includes a blocking portion that engages with the follower at selected positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of magazine capacity from 7 to 15 rounds. This dynamic mechanism enables the same magazine to adapt to different state laws without requiring multiple different magazine designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magazine is designed with adjustable capacity mechanism, then adaptability to varying state laws is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is segmented into functional components including the thumb slide, follower, spring, and housing. The thumb slide is a separate adjustable component that can be positioned independently, while the follower and spring form another functional segment. This segmentation allows the adjustment mechanism to be added as a modular feature rather than redesigning the entire magazine, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb slide mechanism is designed to be user-adjustable without requiring tools or complex procedures. The user can directly manipulate the thumb slide to set the desired capacity, and the blocking portion automatically engages with the follower to maintain the setting. This self-service design minimizes the complexity burden on the user despite the added adaptability feature.
3Reliability
If cartridge storage space is reduced to comply with laws, then compliance with state limits is improved, but loss of substance (ammunition capacity) is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine maintains its full physical capacity (15 rounds) but uses the adjustable thumb slide mechanism to dynamically limit access to only the legally permitted number of rounds (e.g., 7 rounds). The blocking portion of the thumb slide prevents the follower from moving beyond the legal limit, ensuring compliance while preserving the remaining capacity for future use or relocation to jurisdictions with different laws.
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for a firearm is adjustable for cartridge capacity using a thumb slide to select the quantity of cartridges to be held by the magazine. The thumb slide is operable in a vertical slot and below the carriage pushing up on the bullets. The thumb slide protrudes into the internal chamber through the vertical slot so as to form an obstruction preventing downward movement of the carriage beyond the obstruction. Alternatively, the thumb slide raises a platform on which a segmented spring rests. When the platform is raised, it reduces available storage in the magazine. If a capacity selection requires a smaller spring, then spring segments are removed. A set screw locks the thumb slide in place. An indicator bar shows through holes in the magazine indicating the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine. A bolt and nut is introduced to permanently prevent further adjustment.