Dual Dwell Bolt Carrier Weights for Unlock Timing and Anti-Bounce
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a desire to improve and simplify the operation of direct gas operated firearms, such as the AR15/M4/M16 family, by enhancing the bolt carrier group's efficiency and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A dual dwell weight system comprising a forward weight and an aft weight with a centrally disposed spring, sliding within the bolt carrier, providing additional inertia and optimizing the bolt carrier's operation by enhancing rear dwell and unlocking, while also acting as an anti-bounce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bolt carrier group is used in direct gas operated firearms, then the structure is simple, but the operational efficiency and longevity are limited due to insufficient kinetic energy utilization and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt carrier group is segmented by introducing separate forward weight and aft weight components that can slide independently within the bolt carrier. This segmentation allows each weight to perform specific functions (forward weight for rear dwell enhancement, aft weight for unlock dwell enhancement and anti-bounce) while collectively improving kinetic energy utilization and reducing mechanical wear on the bolt carrier group
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing the forward and aft weights to slide freely within the bolt carrier along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic configuration enables the weights to move independently during the bolt carrier's reciprocating motion, optimizing kinetic energy transfer at different phases of the cycling operation (recoil, unlock, and return phases) thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity
2Productivity
If the bolt carrier group moves rapidly through the cycling cycle, then productivity is high, but mechanical wear increases and longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The forward and aft weights act as inertial cushions within the bolt carrier group. During the rapid cycling operation, these weights provide beforehand cushioning by absorbing and redistributing kinetic energy during critical phases (particularly during unlock and rear dwell), reducing impact forces and mechanical wear on the bolt carrier and associated components while maintaining high cycling speed
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
The dual dwell weight system enhances the bolt carrier's operation by efficiently utilizing kinetic energy, reducing mechanical wear, and prolonging the cycle time, thereby increasing the firearm's reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The spring between the forward weight and the aft weight may be pre-compressed, thereby storing energy that can be released to enhance rear dwell and unlock dwell
Implementation Method 2
The mass of the forward weight and the aft weight provides additional inertia to the bolt carrier which may be utilized to prolong cycle time
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for a dual dwell weight for optimizing the operation of a direct gas operated firearm. The dual dwell weight comprises a forward weight and an aft weight with a centrally disposed spring. The weights slide within an undercut portion of a cylindrical interior of a bolt carrier of the firearm. The forward weight is a rear dwell enhancer while the aft weight is an unlock dwell enhancer and an anti-bounce weight. A longitudinal pin maintains alignment between the forward weight and the aft weight. A transverse pin maintains clocking of the first weight and the aft weight. The interior includes a keyway that enables installing the weights into the bolt carrier.