Ambidextrous Bolt Stop with Yoke Linkage for Rapid Reload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bolt stop mechanisms in firearms are typically designed for right-handed shooters, making it inconvenient for left-handed shooters and those in non-customary shooting postures to access and operate the bolt stop release button, leading to increased reload time in critical situations.
Innovation Solution
An ambidextrous bolt stop design featuring symmetrical left and right side release buttons connected by a yoke and pin arrangement, allowing operation from either side, ensuring identical appearance and tactile feel, and facilitating rapid reloading by holding the bolt group rearward for easy access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional single-sided bolt stop release button is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates for left-handed shooters and those in non-customary shooting postures
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt stop mechanism is segmented into a left side release button and a right side release button, allowing shooters to access the bolt stop from either side of the firearm depending on their handedness or shooting posture
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt stop mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions by providing release buttons on both sides, making it universally accessible to right-handed shooters, left-handed shooters, and shooters in various postures
2Productivity
If a conventional single-sided bolt stop release button is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases during magazine changes
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt stop mechanism is pre-configured with release buttons on both sides, allowing shooters to quickly access and operate the bolt stop without needing to reposition or adjust their grip during rapid reloading situations
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-sided bolt stop release button is used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different shooters
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall design incorporates symmetry for accessibility, the internal mechanism uses asymmetric linkages and mounting positions to accommodate the dual-sided release buttons within the constrained space of the firearm receiver
Data Source
AI summary
An ambidextrous bolt stop for use with a firearm generally includes a first bolt stop element having a bolt stop finger and a first release lever operatively connected to a left side of a receiver of the firearm and a second bolt stop element having a second release lever operatively connected to a right side of the firearm. The second bolt stop element engages the first bolt stop element via a yoke and pin type configuration interior to the receiver of the firearm. The first and second release levers include first and second buttons located exterior to the receiver on respective sides thereof to actuate the bolt stop.