Automatic Firearm Testing Apparatus with Magazine Bank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual endurance testing of firearms is limited by human operator constraints, including frequency, cost, and health risks, and cannot efficiently test multiple firearms due to shape and size variations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic firing apparatus using hydraulic, electrical, or pneumatic actuators to initiate and control the firing process, manage magazine loading and release, and rotate a magazine bank to accommodate different firearm types, with a microcontroller coordinating these actions for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual endurance testing is performed by human operators, then the testing process can be executed, but the testing frequency is limited and below satisfactory levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of firearms by human operators with an automated mechanical system comprising actuators, robotic arms, and control mechanisms. This substitution enables continuous high-frequency firing tests without human intervention, directly resolving the contradiction between testing frequency and operator capability limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated testing system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring human operators during the testing process. The system self-manages the firing sequence, magazine changes, and data collection, thereby eliminating the inherent limitations of human operators while maintaining continuous testing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple firearms with differing shapes and sizes are tested, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable components including movable firearm holders, adjustable positioning mechanisms, and programmable robotic arms that can adapt their configuration based on the specific firearm being tested. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle various firearm shapes and sizes without requiring multiple specialized fixtures, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple firearm types through programmable control and adjustable mechanical elements. A single multi-functional system replaces the need for multiple specialized testing devices, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous firing tests are performed, then endurance capacity is accurately determined, but the human operator is exposed to negative health effects from exhaust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the human operator from the testing environment by implementing fully automated firing and testing mechanisms. The robotic system performs all firing operations and endurance testing without human presence in the immediate vicinity of the firearm exhaust, completely eliminating health exposure risks while maintaining test accuracy through automated data collection and analysis.
4Productivity
If manual testing is performed, then the testing process can proceed, but the cost of testing increases due to operator payment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human operators with automated mechanical systems for firearm testing. This substitution eliminates the recurring cost of human operator payment while maintaining or improving testing efficiency through continuous automated operation, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and testing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an automatic firing apparatus, and a method for operating the automatic firing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a trigger actuator for automatically firing bullets contained in a magazine of a firearm; a magazine release actuator for releasing an empty magazine from the firearm; a magazine bank for storing a bullet magazine inside the firearm; and a magazine loading actuator for loading a new magazine inside the firearm from the magazine bank. There is further provided a magazine bank apparatus for use with a firearm comprising a magazine bank base having a plurality of slots adapted to receive and store bullet magazines; and a magazine load actuator adapted to be automatically triggered for loading a bullet magazine among the stored bullet magazines inside the firearm.