Bolt Stop Actuator With Integrated Retention for Pinless Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bolt stop actuators in semiautomatic firearms require additional pins for retention, complicating manufacturing and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A bolt stop actuator design that is pivotally mounted and retained within the firearm receiver using screws or alternative fasteners, eliminating the need for additional pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional pins are used for retaining the bolt stop actuator, then the retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention function with the actuator body itself by incorporating a retention feature directly into the actuator structure. This eliminates the need for separate pins while maintaining reliable retention, as the integrated feature performs both the actuator function and the retention function simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature integrated into the bolt stop actuator serves multiple functions: it retains the actuator in the receiver and simultaneously acts as part of the actuator mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while ensuring reliable retention.
2Reliability
If additional pins are used for retaining the bolt stop actuator, then the retention reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention function into the actuator body, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable retention through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the retention function from separate pin components and integrates it directly into the actuator body. This extraction and integration eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps related to producing and installing separate retention pins.
3Reliability
If additional pins are used for retaining the bolt stop actuator, then the retention reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the retention feature into the actuator body means that retention is achieved as part of the actuator assembly itself, rather than requiring separate pin installation steps. This reduces assembly complexity while maintaining reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator with integrated retention feature is self-retaining, meaning it retains itself within the receiver through its own structural features. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional components or steps to provide retention during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A bolt stop actuator is disclosed. The actuator may include a lift arm, a first leg extending from a point proximate to an end of the lift bar and generally perpendicular therefrom, a second leg extending in the same direction from the lift bar as the first leg, and a projection extending from the lift bar and configured to contact a follower of an empty magazine when the bolt stop actuator is assembled into a firearm. Neither the first leg, nor the second leg, include apertures positioned distal to the lift arm.