Bolt Action Firearm Intermittent Push Feed Ejector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bolt action firearms either prioritize cartridge feeding control or positive ejection, but not both simultaneously, leading to unreliable operation in manually operated firearms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermittent push feed ejector into a control feed bolt face, which includes a bolt assembly with a bolt head, an ejector bore, an ejector element, an ejector restraint element, an actuator, and a linkage to ensure both controlled feeding and positive ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controlled round feed is used to allow bolt control of cartridge during feeding, then cartridge feeding control is improved, but ejection reliability deteriorates because it depends on user retraction speed
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector element is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions, dynamically adapting its function based on the operational phase. During feeding, it remains retracted to allow controlled round feed; during extraction, it extends to provide positive ejection, thus resolving the contradiction between feeding control and ejection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector element operates periodically, being activated only during the extraction phase when the actuator engages it. This periodic action allows the system to maintain controlled feeding during the loading phase while providing reliable ejection during the extraction phase, addressing both requirements
2Reliability
If push round feed is used to allow positive ejection, then ejection reliability is improved, but cartridge feeding control deteriorates because bolt cannot control cartridge during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding and ejection functions are segmented into different operational phases. The controlled round feed mechanism handles cartridge feeding control during the loading phase, while the ejector element handles positive ejection during the extraction phase. This segmentation allows both functions to operate optimally without interfering with each other
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary that coordinates between the feeding mechanism and the ejector element. It remains disengaged during feeding to allow controlled round feed, then engages the ejector element during extraction to enable positive ejection, thus mediating between the two conflicting requirements
3Reliability
If ejector element is always extended for positive ejection, then ejection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional restraint mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector element is spring-biased to automatically extend when needed for ejection and retract when not needed for feeding. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external restraint systems, as the spring provides automatic positioning based on operational requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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 solution enables reliable and simultaneous control of cartridge feeding and positive ejection, enhancing the operational reliability of manually operated bolt action firearms.
Implementation Method 1
the ejector element being spring biased to the forward position
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt action firearm has an ejector element movable between a forward position in which a portion of the ejector element protrudes from the bolt face and a rearward position rear of the forward position, an ejector restraint element operable in a restraining position to restrain the ejector element to the rearward position and in a release position to enable movement of the ejector element from the rearward position to the forward position, an actuator movable between a first position and a second position such that seating a cartridge case head in an aligned position motivates the actuator from the first position to the second position, and a linkage connecting the actuator to the ejector restraint element and operable in response to movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position to enable movement of the ejector element from the rearward position to the forward position.