AR15 Cocking Handle with Bidirectional Stop Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cocking slides for AR15 and M4 type rifles are complex, prone to contamination, and require strong springs, leading to increased overall forces and potential obstructions, while also being difficult to operate bidirectionally without protruding parts that can cause issues.
Innovation Solution
A cocking slide design with handles featuring stop surfaces that interact with counter surfaces on the shaft, allowing for a rolling-sliding movement and reducing the load on pivot pins, while also incorporating internal stop surfaces to prevent contamination and distribute force effectively, thus reducing the mechanical stress on pins and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cocking slide is designed to be operable from both sides with symmetric handles, then bidirectional usability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases due to transmission parts and additional springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both handles and their operating mechanisms into a single integrated cocking slide body. The first and second handles are both mounted on the same slide, sharing common structural elements and mounting points, which reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining bidirectional operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cocking slide is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as the operating interface for bidirectional handles and as the moving element that cycles the bolt. This universal design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms and reduces the number of parts required
2Reliability
If a cocking slide uses a hook engagement mechanism to prevent unwanted movement, then reliability is improved, but protruding parts are created that can cause obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The hook is designed to engage with a recess that is integrated into the receiver structure. The hook itself is nested within the confines of the slide assembly, and the engagement interface is designed to minimize protrusion beyond the overall weapon envelope, reducing obstructions while maintaining reliable engagement
3Manufacturing precision
If a cocking slide uses tight tolerances for groove and projection interaction, then precision is improved, but susceptibility to contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that provides flexible, elastic engagement between the handle and the slide. This elastic interaction compensates for tolerance variations and maintains reliable operation without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing contamination susceptibility
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates spring-loaded elements that change the engagement parameters dynamically. The spring force maintains consistent contact pressure between mating surfaces, compensating for dimensional variations and ensuring reliable operation without requiring precision tight tolerances
4Ease of operation
If a cocking slide uses a complex spring-loaded mechanism for bidirectional operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both handles are mounted on the same cocking slide and share common structural elements, mounting points, and spring mechanisms. This merging approach allows bidirectional operation while minimizing the total number of components compared to having separate mechanisms for each handle
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 design allows for bidirectional operation with reduced mechanical stress on pins, improved durability, and reduced risk of contamination, enhancing operational reliability and ease of use while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (43) which pushes the two handles (3, 4) into a rest position
Implementation Method 2
allowing for a rolling-sliding movement and reducing the load on pivot pins
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a)~3b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a cocking slide for an existing gas-operated carabiner, in particular of type AR15 or type M4. It is operable from both sides and has a shaft (2) whose end section (24) has a lateral extension on both sides. An active handle (3) with a locking projection (37) and a passive handle (4) are arranged on these extensions, rotatably about a pin (26) and held in a locking position by at least one spring (33, 43). When the active handle is rotated against the spring force, the locking projection is released; when the passive handle is rotated, it also rotates the active handle. To relieve stress on the pin (26), the release position of the first handle is defined by a support surface (29) on the lateral extension. In the release position, an internal stop surface (38) of the active handle (3) rests against this support surface for direct force transmission. This applies mutatis mutandis to the passive grip.