Adjustable Plate Mechanism for Firearm Magazine Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm magazine loading is hindered by increasing spring resistance, making it difficult for users to manually load shells due to the need for excessive strength and dexterity, leading to fatigue and misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable plate mechanism that reduces spring tension during loading by adjusting between a load position and a use position, allowing for easier insertion of shells into the magazine with less force required, and then securing the plate in the use position for proper tension when the magazine is in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring tension is increased to ensure proper shell alignment and ejection, then shell direction towards the opening is improved, but the difficulty of loading shells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable plate that can be positioned in different locations within the magazine housing. When the plate is in the first position during loading, it blocks the spring from contacting the shells, reducing resistance. When moved to the second position during use, it allows the spring to properly align and eject shells. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between low loading resistance and high shell alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary action by positioning the plate to block spring contact before the loading process begins. This preliminary blocking of the spring reduces the resistance that would otherwise be encountered during shell insertion. The user performs the action of loading shells while the plate is in this preliminary position, then later moves the plate to its operational position for proper function.
2Productivity
If manual loading force is increased to overcome spring resistance, then loading speed is improved, but user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable plate creates a dynamic loading system where resistance varies by operational phase. During loading (plate in first position), spring resistance is minimized allowing rapid shell insertion without user fatigue. During use (plate in second position), full spring tension restores for reliable shell ejection. This dynamic separation resolves the contradiction between loading speed and user fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the magazine operation into two distinct phases: loading phase and firing phase. The movable plate acts as a segmenting mechanism that separates the spring's function during these phases. During loading, the plate segments the spring force away from the shells, reducing effort needed. During firing, the plate moves to allow full spring engagement. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If spring tension is reduced to ease loading, then loading effort is decreased, but shell ejection force is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically repositionable plate to control spring engagement. During loading, the plate is positioned to block spring contact, reducing tension to minimal levels for easy shell insertion. During firing, the plate is moved to its second position, allowing the spring to fully engage and provide maximum ejection force. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between reduced loading effort and maintained ejection force.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable plate serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the spring system. During loading, it mediates by blocking the spring's force transmission to the shells, reducing the effort required. During firing, it moves away to allow direct force transmission from spring to shells for ejection. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction between easing loading and maintaining ejection capability.
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
Simplifies the loading process, reduces the energy and force needed to load the magazine, and allows for easier adjustment of tension, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A spring creates tension on the shells to direct the shells toward the opening in the top towards the firearm
Implementation Method 2
A spring attaches to an adjustable plate and the follower to direct the shells towards the opening in the top of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm magazine assists loading of a housing with ammunition. The ammunition inserts into an opening in the top of the housing against a follower. The follower creates tension on the ammunition to direct the ammunition towards the opening. An adjustable plate contacts the spring to load the spring against the follower. The adjustable plate adjusts between a use position and a load position. The use position provides appropriate force to load the ammunition into the chamber. The plate adjusts away from the follower to decrease the tension of the spring and the follower to load the magazine.