Bolt Catch Magazine Release Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt catch engagement and magazine release systems do not allow for the safe and convenient release of a magazine and engagement of a bolt catch with a single movement.
Innovation Solution
A bolt catch engagement/magazine release system comprising a firearm with an actuation pin extending through a central section from an actuation button to both the bolt catch linkage and magazine release, utilizing a coil spring to urge the actuation button outward and a secondary button for ambidextrous operation, enabling both functions with a single movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate mechanisms are used for magazine release and bolt catch engagement, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magazine release and bolt catch engagement functions into a single integrated actuation mechanism. The actuator can be pressed to simultaneously perform both functions: releasing the magazine and engaging the bolt catch, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple operations (magazine release and bolt catch engagement) through a single action. This universal design allows one component to serve multiple purposes, reducing the overall number of separate mechanisms needed while enhancing productivity
2Productivity
If a single actuator is used for both magazine release and bolt catch engagement, then operational efficiency improves, but the reliability of each individual function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the actuator itself, the magazine release mechanism, and the bolt catch engagement mechanism. Each segment can be independently designed and optimized, allowing the single actuator to reliably trigger separate functional pathways that maintain the reliability of each individual function while achieving operational efficiency through unified control
3Ease of operation
If the actuation button is positioned centrally, then accessibility is improved for both hands, but the device complexity increases due to additional linkage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric linkage design where the actuator is positioned centrally for ambidextrous accessibility, but the linkages extending to the magazine release and bolt catch mechanisms are asymmetrically routed to accommodate the specific geometry and functional requirements of each mechanism. This allows central positioning for ease of operation while managing linkage complexity through optimized asymmetric pathways
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 safe and convenient release of a magazine and engagement of a bolt catch with a single movement, enhancing user accessibility and operational efficiency while maintaining durability and low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring urges the actuation button outwardly to an inoperative extended orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm has a first side, a second side, a forward section with a barrel, and a rearward section with a stock. The firearm has a central section with an actuation button on the first side and a bolt catch and bolt catch linkage on the second side. A magazine and magazine release are between the actuation button and the bolt catch linkage. An actuation pin extends through the central section from the actuation button to both the bolt catch linkage and the magazine release. A coil spring urges the actuation button outwardly to an inoperative extended orientation. The actuation button is adapted to be depressed for both releasing the magazine and engaging the bolt catch.