Firearm Bolt Control Device for Manual Operation Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing AR15-style firearms operate primarily in semi-automatic or automatic modes, requiring a new trigger pull for each shot, whereas a manually operated mode is desired where the user must perform an additional action between shots.

Innovation Solution

A bolt control device is integrated into the firearm system, allowing users to manually release the bolt carrier group from a retained position to a firing position using a retention spring and contact point, enabling the firearm to be converted from semi-automatic to manually operated, with optional designs including a reverse trigger, lever, or button for user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a semi-automatic operating mode is used, then rapid fire capability is improved, but user control and manual operation flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire rateVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between semi-automatic and manually operated modes through a selectable operating mode mechanism. The bolt control device can be configured to automatically return the bolt carrier group to the firing position after semi-automatic firing, or require manual user intervention for manually operated mode, allowing flexible adaptation to different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating characteristics of the firearm are changed by modifying the bolt control device's automatic return function. When enabled, the bolt carrier group automatically returns to firing position for rapid successive shots. When disabled, manual operation is required. This parameter change allows the same hardware to function in both semi-automatic and manually operated modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a manually operated mode is implemented, then user control and operational flexibility are improved, but fire rate and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidfire rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic switching between operational modes. Users can select manually operated mode when maximum control is needed, or switch to semi-automatic mode for faster fire rates. The bolt control device incorporates a selectable mechanism that enables or disables automatic bolt return, providing flexibility in operational characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls bolt retention in manually operated mode, enables automatic bolt return for semi-automatic mode, and can be configured in various operating modes. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide both manual control and rapid fire capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a bolt control device is added to enable manual operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bolt control device merges the bolt catch mechanism with a selectable operating mode mechanism. Rather than adding a completely separate system, the invention integrates the mode selection capability into the existing bolt control architecture, combining multiple functions within a unified device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bolt control device acts as an intermediary between the trigger mechanism and the bolt carrier group. It provides a selectable interface that determines whether the bolt carrier group returns automatically or requires manual intervention, mediating between the firing mechanism and the reloading process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows the firearm to function in a manually operated mode, requiring user intervention between shots, effectively converting semi-automatic AR15-style firearms into single-shot or manually loaded systems, enhancing user control and operational flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a retention spring to maintain tension on the bolt catch to retain the bolt carrier group in a retained position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10557678B2Manually operated firearm system
Publication Date: 2020.02.11 BARRETT FIREARMS MANUFACTURING INC
  • US10557678B2 patent drawing
  • US10557678B2 patent drawing
  • US10557678B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bolt control device for causing the bolt of a firearm to be held in a retained position after each round is fired, the bolt control device capable of being manipulated by the user to also release and return the bolt to a firing position so that the firearm may be used to fire an additional round.