Ambidextrous Charging Handle With Thermoplastic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern sporting rifles (MSR) require a user to rotate a lever before pulling the charging handle rearward, which can be cumbersome and may not accommodate left-handed users, and existing charging handles lack effective latching mechanisms to prevent snagging on objects.
Innovation Solution
A charging handle design featuring a bolt engaging projection, a strut portion with an offset aperture, and a leaf spring latch member that allows for ambidextrous operation without rotating a lever, with a thermoplastic grip member for improved grip and reduced snagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional charging handle design with a lever is used, then the charging mechanism can be operated, but the user must rotate the lever which is cumbersome and does not accommodate left-handed users
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle is designed with asymmetric features including a lever that can be positioned on either the left or right side of the pistol grip, and a trigger guard that can be configured to clear the lever. This asymmetry allows the charging handle to be operated from either hand, eliminating the need for users to rotate or reposition components, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The charging handle incorporates a movable lever that can be dynamically positioned in different locations along the pistol grip, and the trigger guard can be repositioned or removed. This dynamic configurability allows the mechanism to adapt to different user preferences and shooting positions, enhancing operational ease without significantly increasing the fundamental complexity of the charging mechanism
2Reliability
If a traditional charging handle design is used, then the structure is simple, but the handle may snag on objects during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle features a streamlined pistol grip with smooth contours and rounded edges that eliminate protruding elements that could snag on clothing or equipment. The lever is designed to sit flush against the pistol grip when not in use, and the trigger guard is configured to clear the lever, creating a smooth profile that reduces snagging risks while maintaining the basic structural simplicity of the charging handle
3Ease of operation
If a grip member is added to the charging handle, then grip is improved and snagging is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle incorporates a grip member made from composite materials such as rubber or polymer that are molded over the pistol grip. These composite materials provide enhanced grip through their textured surfaces and elastic properties, while also creating a smooth outer profile that reduces snagging. The grip member is integrated into the existing pistol grip structure, adding functional benefits without significantly increasing the overall complexity of the charging handle construction
Data Source
AI summary
An example charging handle comprises a body having a handle portion, a bolt engaging portion and a shaft portion extending forwardly from the handle portion to the bolt engaging portion. The handle portion of the body may have a starboard arm extending away from the shaft portion in a starboard direction and a port arm extending away from the shaft portion in a portward direction. The charging handle may comprise a grip member disposed about the handle portion of the body so that the grip member encapsulates the handle portion and the handle portion is disposed inside the grip member. The grip member may comprise a thermoplastic material overmolded on the handle portion of the body.