AR-15 Lower Receiver Non-Detachable Magazine Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recent changes in firearm regulations make it impractical to use AR-15 type firearms with both a detachable magazine and pistol grip, and the reloading process is cumbersome due to the need to pivot the upper receiver open like a double-barrel shotgun.

Innovation Solution

A lower receiver for AR-15 type firearms featuring a non-detachable magazine that can be moved between locked and loading positions without opening the upper receiver, using a depressible actuating button and a movable lock finger, along with a child-proof lock and a novel locking plate for enhanced support and accessory attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a detachable magazine is used in AR-15 type firearms, then the firearm can be reloaded by simply removing and replacing magazines, but recent firearm regulations make it impractical to use detachable magazines with pistol grip configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance with firearm regulationsVSAvoidreloading convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine is designed to be movable within the receiver, transitioning between a locked operational position and an unloaded position where the magazine can be removed or reloaded. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between compliance mode (locked non-detachable appearance) and maintenance mode (movable for reloading), resolving the contradiction between regulatory compliance and reloading convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the upper receiver is pivoted open like a double-barrel shotgun to reload the magazine, then the magazine can be accessed for reloading, but the reloading process becomes cumbersome and undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagazine accessibilityVSAvoidreloading procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine release mechanism is segmented into independent components: a button actuator that triggers a lock finger release, which then allows magazine movement. This segmentation enables magazine access without requiring the complex upper receiver pivoting operation, simplifying the reloading procedure while maintaining magazine accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a non-detachable magazine is used to comply with regulations, then the firearm meets legal restrictions, but the magazine cannot be easily removed or reloaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelegal complianceVSAvoidmagazine maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine system transitions from a static non-detachable design to a dynamic design where the magazine can move between locked and unlocked positions. The lock finger mechanism provides a false non-detachable appearance for legal compliance while actually enabling easy magazine removal and reloading when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lock finger acts as an intermediary mechanism between the button actuator and the magazine. It provides the intermediate step that allows the magazine to appear non-detachable for compliance while actually enabling easy removal and reloading through the button-actuated release mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10330406B2Firearm lower receiver with non-detachable magazine
Publication Date: 2019.06.25 CHRISTENSEN CRAIG A
  • US10330406B2 patent drawing
  • US10330406B2 patent drawing
  • US10330406B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lower receiver for an AR15 type firearm is provided comprising a non-detachable magazine movable in the receiver between a first locked position where the firearm is ready for use (i.e. cocked and ready for firing) and a second non-operational position where the magazine is lowered sufficiently to open a window or aperture in the receiver enabling the user to load fresh shell cartridges into the magazine. A locking mechanism also is provided for controlling the position of the non-detachable magazine between the first and second positions. A child-proof lock further is provided to prevent undesired activation of the locking mechanism. Additionally, a novel locking plate disposed between the lower receiver's frame and the receiver's stock extension tube provides enhanced support for the extension tube and an accessory attachment point for a shoulder strap or sling.