Firearm Bolt Stop Locking Device for Contaminant Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automatic firearms, the bolt stop's activated state can leave the ejection window open after firing the last round, allowing contaminants like sand or sludge to enter the receiver, leading to malfunctions, prompting the removal of the bolt stop to ensure reliability under adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A locking device is integrated into the bolt stop mechanism, allowing it to be secured in a release position, ensuring the bolt remains forward and the ejection window remains closed, using a locking element that can be actuated manually to prevent contaminants from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bolt stop is activated to catch and retain the bolt after firing the last round, then the shooter can see when the magazine is empty and chamber a round without racking the bolt, but the ejection window remains open allowing contaminants to enter the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt stop is designed to be dynamically controllable between activated and deactivated states. A locking element can shift between a locking position (deactivating the bolt stop) and a standby position (allowing activation). This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions, preventing contaminant entry when the bolt stop is deactivated while maintaining the ease of operation benefit when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the operator and the bolt stop mechanism. By introducing this intermediate component, the system gains the ability to control whether the bolt stop can be activated. The locking element mediates between the conflicting requirements by preventing bolt stop activation (and thus ejection window opening) when the locking element is in the locking position, while allowing activation when in the standby position.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bolt stop is deactivated to prevent contaminants from entering, then the ejection window remains closed, but the shooter loses the ability to automatically catch and retain the bolt
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between protected mode (locking element in locking position, bolt stop deactivated) and operational mode (locking element in standby position, bolt stop can be activated). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the shooter to choose the appropriate state based on operational conditions - using protection when contaminants are a concern and using automatic bolt retention when ease of operation is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the bolt stop (activated vs. deactivated state) based on the position of the locking element. When the locking element is in the locking position, the parameter changes to deactivated, preventing contaminant entry. When in the standby position, the parameter returns to activated, enabling automatic bolt retention. This parameter switching resolves the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking device is added to control the bolt stop, then the ejection window can be kept closed to prevent contaminants, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking element with a locking position and a standby position, and a bolt stop with activated and deactivated states. This segmentation allows the complex function of preventing contaminant entry while maintaining operational flexibility to be divided into manageable, independent parts. The locking element can be independently positioned without affecting the overall simplicity of the bolt stop mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it controls the activation state of the bolt stop, prevents contaminant entry by keeping the ejection window closed, and provides a mechanical interface for operator control. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving the goal of preventing contaminant entry. The same locking element that controls bolt stop activation also directly prevents contaminant entry.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bolt stop for an automatic firearm comprising a bolt stop lever that can be moved between a release position and a catch position, and a locking device that can be moved between a standby position and a locking position, for selectively securing the bolt stop lever in the release position, wherein the locking device is disengaged with the bolt stop lever when in the standby position, and is engaged in with the bolt stop lever when in the locking position, the bolt stop lever deactivated in the locking position.