Adjustable Gas System for Cartridge Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Propellant gas actuated firearms, such as M-16 and AR-15 rifles, face functional issues when suppressors or different ammunition are used, as these changes alter propellant gas pressure, flow, and timing, potentially leading to inefficient or failed auto-cycling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A gas pressure adjustment system is introduced, allowing for selective control of propellant gas pressure and flow characteristics by positioning a gas pressure and flow adjustment member within the gas supply passage, ensuring proper operation even with changes in firearms or ammunition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suppressors or different ammunition are used, then the firearm can adapt to various shooting conditions, but the propellant gas pressure, flow and timing are altered causing the auto-cycling mechanism to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The gas system incorporates adjustable components including a movable gas regulator plate and adjustable gas key member that can be repositioned to change gas passage dimensions. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different ammunition types and suppressor configurations while maintaining reliable auto-cycling operation through optimized gas pressure and timing characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the gas system by providing adjustable gas passage dimensions through movable regulator plates and repositionable gas key members. These parameter adjustments modify propellant gas pressure, flow rate, and timing characteristics to compensate for variations caused by different ammunition and suppressor combinations, thereby maintaining system reliability across diverse operating conditions
2Ease of operation
If the gas block is modified to adjust propellant gas handling, then the auto-cycling characteristics can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas adjustment function is segmented into separate adjustable components including a movable gas regulator plate and an adjustable gas key member, rather than integrating all adjustments into a single complex gas block structure. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be independently adjusted while achieving the desired gas handling optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The gas key member acts as an intermediary component between the gas block and the bolt carrier, providing adjustable gas passage control without requiring complex modifications to the main gas block structure. This intermediary approach allows gas handling adjustment through a separate, manageable component that simplifies the overall system architecture
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
The system effectively compensates for variations in propellant gas pressure and timing, maintaining efficient auto-cycling and ammunition handling in firearms with suppressors or different cartridges, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The bolt carrier is linearly moveable rearwardly by the force of propellant gas pressure within the gas actuation chamber
Implementation Method 2
the bolt member is urged forwardly within the bolt chamber and within the upper receiver of the firearm mechanism by propellant gas pressure acting on the bolt carrier surface and the gas seal rings
Implementation Method 3
the bolt carrier further loads a buffer spring which drives the bolt carrier and its bolt forwardly when the propellant gas pressure has dissipated sufficiently that it is overcome by the spring force of the buffer system
Implementation Method 4
The bolt member is provided with gas seal rings which establish movable sealing with an internal seal surface of the bolt chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A propellant gas energized firearm has a gas supply passage conducting propellant gas from a gas port of a firearm barrel to an actuating chamber of a bolt carrier and bolt group having an actuating chamber. A gas key member is mounted to the bolt carrier and defines a part of the gas supply passage and has an opening intersecting the gas supply passage. A gas adjustment member is selectively moveable within the gas adjustment opening and has a gas interruption member projecting into the gas supply passage. The gas adjustment member is rotatable within the gas adjustment opening for selectively positioning the gas interruption member within the gas supply passage to selectively control the characteristics of the propellant gas delivery to the actuating chamber of the bolt carrier and bolt group.