Firearm Breech Drive Mechanism Reducing Feed Path Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breech drive systems for small weapons face inefficiencies in ammunition feeding due to complex mechanisms and downtime requirements, particularly in converting rotary movements into linear movements for breech operation and locking.
Innovation Solution
A rear-locking breech system with a gun-fixed control cam and locking cam, utilizing a long connecting rod to convert rotary motion into linear movement via a toothed rack, and a short connecting rod for functional connection between the breech carrier and weapon-fixed cam, allowing for efficient ammunition feeding and breech locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex breech drive mechanism is used to move the breech linearly, then the breech can be moved reliably, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the breech linearly along a complex guide path, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the breech around a fixed axis at the rear. This rotation is achieved through a simple crank mechanism connected to a rotating drive element, eliminating the need for complex linear guides and multiple actuators while maintaining reliable breech movement and positioning.
2Ease of operation
If a long feed path is used for ammunition, then the cartridge can be fed into the chamber, but the weapon length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the breech rotation axis to the rear of the weapon, allowing the breech to rotate in place rather than translating forward. This enables the ammunition feed path to be shortened significantly, as cartridges can be fed from a magazine positioned closer to the chamber, thereby reducing overall weapon length while maintaining ease of ammunition feeding.
3Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used for the breech, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a rear-axis rotation mechanism where the breech locks by rotating into a locked position rather than using complex linear locking guides. A simple latch or detent mechanism engages with a cam surface on the rotating breech, providing reliable locking with minimal complexity. The rotation itself provides the locking action, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
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 feed path length for ammunition, enables efficient breech operation, and allows for a better transmission ratio, resulting in improved breech movement and locking mechanisms with reduced weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a gun-fixed control cam (14) for the slide feed... The rotary movement of the cam is converted into a linear movement via a toothed rack
Implementation Method 2
The rotary movement of the cam is converted into a linear movement via a toothed rack
Implementation Method 3
a locking cam for locking the slide
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a breech ammunition drive for the breech (2.1) of a weapon (1) using an external drive (11). A long connecting rod (7) and a short connecting rod (8) are integrated in the drive (5) and functionally connected to same. The long connecting rod (7) is used to convert the rotational movement into a linear breech movement, and the short connecting rod (8) is used to actually move the breech (2.1) or the breech support (2). The rear end or pin of the long connecting rod (7) is fixed on or in the drive (5), and the front end of said connecting rod engages onto a rack (10) that is fixed to the weapon and onto a slider (12) of the breech support (2) or the breech (2.1) via a toothing (9). The short connecting rod (8) is retained in the slider (12) and guided by same, and said connecting rod engages into a transverse slot (13) introduced above the connecting rod (8) and below the breech support (2). Furthermore, the short connecting rod (8) is guided in the slot (14) fixed to the weapon, said slot having a rear end point (14.1) into which the connecting rod (8) is inserted.