Automatic Recoiler for Firearm Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm simulators are either non-firing gas-operated replicas or difficult to convert, requiring specialized technicians and often result in irreversible changes, lacking in providing a realistic firing sensation and balance.

Innovation Solution

An automatic simulation recoiler system that converts firearms into simulators using a sealed cylinder with a piston and power source, mimicking recoil through pneumatic or hydraulic power, with a controller and sensors for trigger response and slide action, and optionally includes a laser or infrared device for aiming feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing simulators are built as non-firing gas operated replicas, then safety is improved, but realism of firing sensation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrealism of firing sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A piston rod acts as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the slide, transmitting simulated recoil forces without using actual propellant gases. The piston rod receives actuation from the trigger and transfers controlled mechanical motion to the slide, creating realistic recoil sensation while maintaining safety through pneumatic or hydraulic control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If real pistols are converted to simulators requiring specialized technicians, then conversion precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion precisionVSAvoidease of conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion system is segmented into modular components: a separate piston, piston rod, cylinder assembly, and control system that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This modular approach allows standardization of parts and simplifies the conversion process while maintaining precision through controlled assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The piston and piston rod are pre-assembled as a complete recoiler assembly before installation into the firearm. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and fit, reducing the skill level required for final installation and making the conversion process more accessible to non-specialists

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If real pistols are converted to simulators with specialized installation, then reliability of simulation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation reliabilityVSAvoidconversion complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piston rod serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component connecting the trigger to the slide, a transmission element for recoil forces, and a controlled actuator through the pneumatic/hydraulic system. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining simulation reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If pneumatic power source uses external compressor, then power availability is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic power system is nested within the firearm structure, with the compressor or air tank integrated into the magazine well or grip area. This nesting approach provides sufficient power for realistic recoil simulation while minimizing the external profile and maintaining the portability of the firearm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables easy conversion of firearms into realistic simulators, providing a safe and cost-effective training environment without the need for live ammunition, offering a realistic firing sensation and balance, while reducing environmental impact and training costs.

Implementation Method 1

The power source may be pneumatic power, hydraulic power, or combinations thereof. The pneumatic power source provides compressed gas to the inlet port that moves the piston thereby extending the piston rod from the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic power: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a sealed cylinder with a piston having a fluid tight seal to an inner wall of the cylinder which thereby creates a compression chamber and a rebound chamber therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid tight seal:

Implementation Method 3

The cylinder has a gas block at the end of the rebound chamber with a pressure relieve valve for allowing fluid to enter and exit the rebound chamber during movement of the piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure relieve: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9599422B2Automatic simulation recoiler for converting a firearm into a simulator
Publication Date: 2017.03.21 MUNDY CLINTON GREGORY
  • US9599422B2 patent drawing
  • US9599422B2 patent drawing
  • US9599422B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic recoiler for converting a firearm into a simulator includes a sealed cylinder with a piston. A piston rod extends from the piston through the rebound chamber and out of the cylinder. A gas block at the end of the rebound chamber has a pressure relieve valve for allowing fluid to enter and exit. The cylinder includes an inlet port in communication with the compression chamber. The piston rod has an end face sized to contact a front surface of the slide for recoiling the slide backward. A power source moves the piston thereby extending the piston rod from the cylinder. A controller controls the power source thereby controlling the extension of the piston rod from the cylinder. Whereby, when a user presses the trigger, the controller controls the power source to move the piston thereby extending the piston rod from the cylinder and recoiling the slide backward.