Dual Spring Biasing Mechanism for Firearm Slide Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-automatic firearms often require excessive manual force to cycle the slide, particularly in pistols, which can be challenging for users with less strength, potentially leading to injury or vulnerability during self-defense situations due to the stiff biasing member used for both manual and semi-automatic operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-biasing member system, where a less resilient primary spring is used for manual operation and a secondary spring for automatic cycling, allowing the user to easily rack the slide with reduced force and ensuring the firearm functions properly when fired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single stiff biasing member is used for both manual and semi-automatic operations, then the firearm can reliably cycle automatically, but the manual cycling force becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The single biasing member is segmented into two separate biasing members: a first biasing member (lighter spring) that provides lower resistance for manual cycling, and a second biasing member (heavier spring) that provides additional force for reliable automatic cycling. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of manual operation and reliability of automatic cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different biasing configurations based on operational mode. During manual cycling, only the first biasing member is engaged. During automatic cycling, both biasing members are engaged to provide the necessary force. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize performance for each specific operation type.
2Ease of operation
If a lighter biasing member is used to reduce manual cycling force, then ease of operation improves, but reliable automatic cycling cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Two biasing members with different force characteristics are merged into a single operational system. The first biasing member (lighter) is combined with the second biasing member (heavier) such that their forces are additive during automatic cycling, while only the lighter spring operates during manual cycling. This merging allows the system to achieve both ease of manual operation and reliability of automatic cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual biasing member system serves multiple functions: the first biasing member handles manual cycling operations, while both biasing members together handle automatic cycling operations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to accommodate both operational modes with optimized performance for each.
3Reliability
If a single strong biasing member is used, then automatic cycling reliability is ensured, but user injury risk increases during manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing force is segmented between two springs with different force levels. The first biasing member provides a lighter, safer force for manual operations that reduces injury risk, while the second biasing member provides the heavier force needed for reliable automatic cycling. This segmentation eliminates the harmful effect of excessive force during manual operation while preserving automatic cycling reliability.
4Reliability
If the biasing member stiffness is increased for short-distance pistols, then automatic cycling reliability improves, but manual operation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different spring stiffness characteristics to different operational contexts. The first biasing member has lower stiffness optimized for manual operation, while the second biasing member has higher stiffness optimized for automatic cycling in short-distance pistols. This local quality optimization allows each spring to be tailored to its specific functional requirements.
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
This configuration reduces the manual cycling force required, making the firearm more accessible to users with less strength and enhancing safety by preventing injuries and reducing vulnerability during self-defense situations.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member disposed around the guide tube... the first biasing member can be compressed a smaller distance... the first biasing member can exert a smaller force
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member disposed within the guide tube... the second biasing member can be compressed a greater distance... the second biasing member can exert a greater force
Implementation Method 3
the bushing assembly can rotate about the guide tube in response to a force imposed on the bushing assembly... the second bushing can engage the piston... the bushing stud can contact the piston stud
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for selectively changing the force required to cycle a firearm. In some embodiments, an apparatus is provided with at least two biasing members or springs where one biasing member generates a softer or smaller force than another biasing member. When manually cycling the firearm, the softer biasing member reduces the effort required for a person to cycle the firearm, which reduces the likelihood of injury and allows people with a broader range of physical abilities to cycle the firearm. Then, when the firearm fires a round, the other biasing member provides the greater force required to cycle the firearm in a conventional, semi-automatic or automatic manner.