Firearm Extractor Stepped Surface Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of fitting an extractor to a self-loading firearm's slide/breech block is time-consuming and requires significant skill, as it involves measuring and adjusting the bar dimension to ensure reliable operation, with existing methods being inefficient and prone to errors due to small tolerance bands.
Innovation Solution
An extractor design featuring a body with a pivot pin and a surface comprising offset step surfaces allows for precise adjustment by removing material from the step surfaces, simplifying the fitting process through visual measurement of removed material, eliminating the need for precise measuring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the extractor is fitted using traditional measuring and adjusting methods, then the bar dimension can be adjusted to meet tolerance requirements, but the process is time-consuming and requires considerable skill
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting surface is segmented into multiple stepped surfaces at different heights, allowing the armorer to select the appropriate surface for different bar dimension requirements. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous material removal and precise measuring, as each step represents a predetermined adjustment increment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped surfaces are pre-configured during extractor manufacturing with specific height increments that correspond to predetermined bar dimension adjustments. This preliminary action prepares multiple adjustment options in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error fitting during assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If material is removed from the extractor to adjust the bar dimension, then the dimension can be reduced to meet tolerance, but the process is prone to errors and may render the extractor useless
Solution Approach 1:
The extractor design incorporates multiple stepped surfaces that provide dynamic adjustment options. Instead of permanently removing material and risking over-adjustment, the armorer can select from discrete step heights to achieve the correct bar dimension, allowing for reversible and controlled adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped surfaces act as a cushioning mechanism by providing predetermined adjustment increments that prevent over-adjustment. Each step represents a safe, predetermined reduction in bar dimension, cushioning against the risk of removing too much material and rendering the extractor useless.
3Reliability
If the bar dimension is made small to ensure reliable extraction, then extraction reliability improves, but stripping and chambering of rounds is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped surfaces enable precise adjustment of the bar dimension parameter to optimal values. By providing discrete adjustment increments, the armorer can select the specific bar dimension that balances extraction reliability with proper stripping and chambering function, rather than being constrained to fixed manufacturer tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor for a self-loading firearm is mountable on a breech block and is formed of a body having a hook at one end. The body is pivotally mounted via a pivot pin. A surface is positioned between the pivot pin and the hook. The surface is divided into at least two surface portions offset from one another. One of the surface portions has a plurality of step surfaces offset from one another. The step surfaces are used to fix the bar dimension of the hook. The invention also encompasses a slide on which the extractor is mounted, as well as a self-loading firearm having the slide. A method of fitting the extractor to the pistol or slide is also disclosed.