Collapsible Firearm Magazine Loading Aid with Reversible Slides
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm magazines are difficult to fill due to increasing force requirements as they become fuller, and existing loading aids often lead to jamming, require separate tools, or are cumbersome and prone to loss.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible loading aid with reversible slides that can be easily installed and removed, featuring a latch mechanism for secure engagement and collapse, preventing jamming and loss, and allowing for visual or haptic identification of the loading state without manipulating the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid loading aid protruding beyond the magazine body is used, then the magazine can be loaded, but the magazine becomes heavier and requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid is designed as a collapsible structure that can transition between an extended loading position and a retracted storage position. The sides are configured to collapse from a first position (protruding beyond the magazine body for loading) to a second position (retracted within the magazine body), reducing weight and space requirements when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible sides are nested within the magazine body when not in use. The sides can be collapsed inward and stored within the confines of the magazine housing, similar to a nested doll structure, thereby eliminating the need for permanent external protrusions and reducing overall magazine dimensions and weight.
2Ease of operation
If a loading aid attached to one side of the feeder is used, then the feeder can be pushed down, but canting and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid employs asymmetric side structures where at least one side can be collapsed selectively. This asymmetric design allows the loading aid to apply force more evenly to the feeder, preventing canting and jamming while maintaining the ability to push the feeder down effectively for magazine loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible sides provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the loading aid to adapt its structure during the pushing operation. This dynamic configuration enables smoother force application to the feeder, reducing the risk of canting and jamming compared to rigid fixed-structure loading aids.
3Ease of operation
If a thread-based loading aid is used, then the loading aid can be operated from both sides, but the manufacture is laborious and loss proofing is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid is divided into separate modular components including first and second sides that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex thread-based construction while maintaining bidirectional operation capability, as each side can be produced separately and then combined through simpler assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate connection structures (such as latches or engagement features) that replace the need for threading. These intermediary elements facilitate easy assembly and disassembly while providing secure connection, eliminating the laborious threading process and improving loss proofing through positive mechanical engagement.
4Quantity of substance
If the magazine is filled to capacity, then the spring is pre-tensioned more strongly, but insertion of the next cartridge requires ever stronger downward force
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible loading aid provides dynamic mechanical advantage during the loading process. As cartridges are inserted and the spring pre-tension increases, the collapsible structure can adjust its configuration to maintain effective force application, reducing the incremental force requirement compared to static loading aid designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented collapsible sides allow the loading aid to distribute the loading force more effectively throughout the magazine capacity range. This segmentation enables progressive engagement with the cartridges and spring system, reducing the peak force requirements compared to rigid monolithic loading aids.
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for a firearm, including a magazine body having at least one slit in the side, a feeder comprising a slide receptacle, and a loading aid. The loading aid includes a first and second slide which are designed so as to be able to be coupled inside the slide receptacle by means of a latch, and the feeder includes at least one hole, for uncoupling the latch, in the direction of the slide receptacle.