Compact Firearm Magazine Between Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearms with horizontal magazines are bulkier and less compact than desired, especially when the magazine is positioned above the barrel, leading to increased vertical bulk and elevated sights or optics, which is undesirable for more concealable designs.
Innovation Solution
A firearm design featuring a magazine receptacle positioned between the upper and lower frames, allowing the magazine to be pivoted between open and closed positions, with lateral exposure of the magazine edges, enabling a more compact and pistol-like configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the magazine is positioned above the barrel in conventional firearms, then a large ammunition capacity can be achieved, but the firearm becomes bulkier with increased vertical bulk and elevated sights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the magazine from a vertical orientation above the barrel to a horizontal orientation between the upper and lower frames. This dimensional change allows the ammunition to be stored laterally rather than vertically, reducing the vertical bulk of the firearm while maintaining large ammunition capacity. The magazine extends forward from the trigger guard area toward the barrel, utilizing the horizontal space within the firearm's profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal magazine is nested within the space between the upper and lower frames of the firearm. The magazine receptacle is formed within the lower frame, and the magazine itself is positioned within this receptacle, fitting into the available internal volume without substantially protruding below the firearm. This nesting approach maximizes the use of internal space while maintaining a compact external profile.
2Quantity of substance
If the magazine is positioned above the barrel, then ammunition capacity is increased, but sights or aiming optics are elevated farther above the barrel axis than desirable
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the magazine orientation from vertical to horizontal, the patent relocates the ammunition storage from the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension. This allows the sight system to remain at a lower, more desirable elevation close to the barrel axis, while the horizontal magazine extends forward within the firearm's profile without elevating the sights.
3Quantity of substance
If a horizontal magazine is used in compact rifles, then large ammunition capacity is achieved, but the firearm requires a buttstock extending well to the rear of the installed magazine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the horizontal magazine between the upper and lower frames, extending forward from the trigger guard area toward the barrel, rather than requiring the magazine to extend to the rear of the firearm. This forward positioning of the horizontal magazine allows the firearm to have a more compact overall length, eliminating the need for a long buttstock extending to the rear of the magazine.
4Ease of operation
If the magazine receptacle is laterally open on both sides, then magazine access and replacement is easier, but the magazine edges are exposed when frames are in closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable cover that can transition between open and closed positions. The cover is movable relative to the lower frame along the ejection port, allowing it to be opened for magazine insertion and removal, and closed during normal operation. This dynamic element provides the benefits of easy magazine access while maintaining a clean, enclosed appearance when the firearm is in use.
Data Source
AI summary
Firearms have a lower frame including a trigger and a grip, an upper frame including a barrel and a bolt, and a magazine receptacle configured to receive a magazine and positioned between the upper and lower frames. The lower frame and upper frame may each have forward portions pivotally connected to each other to form a pivotal connection. The pivotal connection may be operable to pivot on a horizontal axis transverse to the firearm. The upper and lower frames may be movable between an open position in which the upper and lower frame are angularly separated from each other and the magazine receptacle is accessible for removal and replacement of a magazine, and a closed position in which the magazine is closely received between the upper and lower frames. The magazine receptacle may be laterally open on both sides of the firearm.