Bolt-Action Rail and Cam Mechanism for Faster Cycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bolt-action firearms have a slower cycling time compared to autoloading firearms, which can be a disadvantage in high-stakes scenarios requiring rapid follow-up shots, such as competitive shooting and hunting, due to the manual operation of the bolt handle.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-action mechanism that converts the dual motion of rotating and reciprocating the bolt into a singular reciprocal motion using a rail guide, cam, and charging handle, allowing for a single linear pull to cycle the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual bolt cycling is used in bolt-action firearms, then reliability and accuracy are improved, but cycling time increases and rate of fire decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static manual bolt-cycling process into a dynamic semi-automatic system. The charging handle and cam mechanism create a dynamic linkage that automatically cycles the bolt after firing, converting the firearm from a purely manual action to a semi-automatic action while maintaining the robust bolt-action foundation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charging handle and cam mechanism as intermediary components between the trigger pull and bolt cycling. These intermediaries capture the rearward motion of the bolt and convert it into automatic cycling action, mediating between the shooter's input and the bolt's movement to reduce manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If dual motion (rotating and reciprocating) is required for bolt cycling, then extraction and ejection are achieved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotating and reciprocating motions into a single linear charging handle movement. The cam mechanism combines these two distinct motions into one unified action, allowing the shooter to cycle the bolt with a single pulling motion rather than separate rotation and reciprocation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the linear motion of the charging handle into the complex rotational and reciprocating motions required for bolt cycling. This intermediary component simplifies the user's input while automatically performing the complex sequence of movements needed for extraction and ejection.
3Productivity
If semi-automatic conversion is implemented, then rate of fire increases, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a semi-automatic system where the charging handle and cam mechanism automatically cycle the bolt after firing. This dynamic system captures the rearward motion of the bolt and converts it into automatic reloading and chambering actions, increasing the rate of fire while maintaining controlled operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging handle serves multiple functions: it manually cycles the bolt when pulled, and simultaneously acts as the driving force for the cam mechanism that enables semi-automatic operation. This multi-functional component increases productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 mechanism significantly reduces the time required to cycle the bolt-action firearm, enhancing its rate of fire and operational efficiency without compromising reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the slot can define a path which can be the linearized travel path of the bolt. As the mechanism is articulated, the bolt is translated and rotated as it follows the slot in the cam.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt-action mechanism for accelerating the cycling speed of a firearm is provided. The bolt-action mechanism includes a rail configured to couple with a portion of a firearm, the rail is configured for reciprocation axially along the firearm, a cam defining a slot formed in a portion thereof, the slot is sizably configured to engage a portion of the firearm, and a charging handle, wherein the bolt-action mechanism is configured to cycle the firearm.