Firearm Bolt Carrier Key and Buttress Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm operating systems, such as push rod and gas operating systems, face issues like damage to the bolt carrier due to substantial forces and gas leakage, which leads to fouling and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating bolt carrier with a buttress and a key system, where the key is coupled to the bolt carrier with a pocket cut and a cam aperture, providing structural rigidity and a gas seal, reducing wear and preventing damage from forces applied by the push rod or gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a push rod operating system is used, then the bolt carrier is mechanically pushed backward, but the substantial forces applied to the bolt carrier can result in damage to the bolt carrier and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key as an intermediary component between the push rod and the bolt carrier. This key absorbs and distributes the substantial forces applied by the push rod, preventing direct transmission of these forces to the bolt carrier and receiver, thereby reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the mechanical push rod operating system's functionality
2Strength
If a gas operating system is used, then the forces applied to the bolt carrier are lessened, but the gases carried by the gas tube can leak into the bolt carrier fouling the firearm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both push rod and gas operating systems into a single hybrid system. The bolt carrier is designed to receive both push rod forces and gas pressures, while the key structure provides both mechanical force distribution and gas sealing functionality, eliminating the harmful gas leakage effect while maintaining reduced force application
3Force
If a gas tube is used to direct gases to the bolt carrier, then the forces applied are reduced, but gas leakage can deposit materials preventing smooth operation
Solution Approach 1:
The key serves as a mediator that seals the interface between the gas tube and bolt carrier. This intermediary component prevents gas leakage that would otherwise deposit fouling materials, thereby maintaining smooth operation and reliability while preserving the reduced force benefits of the gas operating system
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm includes a barrel having an end coupled to a receiver. A reciprocating bolt carrier is carried by the receiver and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The bolt carrier includes a buttress formed in a top surface thereof. A key includes a base having a rearward end and is coupled to the bolt carrier with the rearward end abutting the buttress.