Breech System Locking Lever for Automatic Breech-Block Position Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rifle barrel bolts do not allow for intermediate positions between fully open and closed positions, preventing optimal effectiveness of smoke extractors and requiring manual operation for opening and closing the breechblock.

Innovation Solution

A locking system for a weapon barrel that automatically locks the bolt wedge in the open position, decoupling its closure from the forward travel of the base, allowing independent opening and closing, and utilizing a drive mechanism for controlled movement between positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the bolt wedge is coupled to the forward travel of the base for automatic closing, then the closing operation is automated, but the bolt wedge cannot be held in the open position independently of loading operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic closing operationVSAvoidindependent position control
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the base and bolt wedge is segmented into two independent systems: (1) the forward travel of the base automatically actuates the locking mechanism to close the bolt wedge, and (2) the locking lever with locking support provides independent control to hold the bolt wedge in the open position. This segmentation allows automated closing while maintaining independent position control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the base movement and the bolt wedge position. It receives the automatic actuation signal from the base forward travel but requires additional input (locking lever movement) to actually close the bolt wedge, thereby decoupling the automatic closing function from the position-holding function and enabling independent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If the bolt wedge is fully coupled to base movement for automatic operation, then manual intervention is reduced, but smoke extractors cannot achieve optimal effectiveness due to inability to achieve intermediate positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic bolt operationVSAvoidsmoke extractor effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fully-coupled mechanism to a dynamic system where the locking mechanism can be actuated at different stages of base movement. The locking lever can engage the locking support at any point during the forward travel, allowing the bolt wedge to be held in intermediate positions that optimize smoke extractor effectiveness while maintaining automatic operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to allow preliminary engagement of the locking lever with the locking support before the bolt wedge reaches its fully closed position. This preliminary action enables the system to hold intermediate positions that are optimal for smoke extraction, rather than requiring complete coupling throughout the entire movement cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If separate opening and closing levers are provided for manual operation, then independent control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent opening and closing controlVSAvoidnumber of manual control elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual opening and closing functions are merged into a single locking lever that operates the locking mechanism. By combining these functions, the system achieves independent control capability without the complexity of separate levers, as the locking lever integrates both opening (by disengaging from locking support) and closing (by engaging locking support) operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 early and rapid opening of the bolt wedge, improving smoke extractor effectiveness and allowing automatic operation, reducing manual intervention, and ensuring safe, controlled movement without safety issues.

Implementation Method 1

a locking lever (161) coupled to the lever mechanism (150), whereby the locking wedge (14) can be locked in its open position by the locking lever (161)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the locking mechanism (100) has a lever mechanism (150) actuable by the actuating element (114)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Lever

Implementation Method 3

a cradle-fixed guide piece (105) with a guide element (110)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance: Guided Rotor Compressor

Data Source

PatentEP4018149B1Breech system and barrelled weapon
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP4018149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4018149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4018149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a breech system (10), having a weapon barrel (20) which is mounted in a cradle (40) such that it can be moved from a rest position to a recoil position, said breech system comprising a base piece (12), said base piece comprising a breech block (14) which can be displaced between a closed and an open position, a breech mechanism (100) which is attached to the base piece (14) and a guide piece (105) which is fixed to the cradle and has a guide element (110, 110'), wherein: the guide element (110, 110') has an actuating element (114) for actuating the breech mechanism (100); the breech mechanism (100) has a lever mechanism (150) that can be actuated by the actuating element (114); the breech mechanism (100) has a locking lever (161) which is coupled to the lever mechanism (150); and the breech block (14) can be locked in the open position by the locking lever (161).