Firearm Breechblock Percussion Pin Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic firearms actuated by electric motors cannot independently control the percussion pin's operating state, limiting the ability to aim the firearm before firing and increasing ammunition firing rate.

Innovation Solution

A breechblock assembly with a control system that allows independent control of the percussion pin's movement and operability, using a locking element and actuator to manage its position between armed and unarmed configurations, decoupling it from the firing cycle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the percussion pin is controlled by the firing cycle in automatic firearms, then the ammunition firing rate is increased, but the ability to aim before firing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveammunition firing rateVSAvoidaiming capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into two independent parts: the automatic firing cycle control and the independent percussion pin control. This segmentation allows the percussion pin to be controlled separately from the firing cycle, enabling aiming before firing while maintaining high ammunition firing rate during combat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The percussion pin can be positioned and prepared in advance (aiming phase) before the actual firing occurs. The control system allows the percussion pin to be held in a ready position independently of the firing cycle, enabling preliminary aiming actions before combat firing begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the percussion pin movement is coupled to the firing cycle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in automatic mode (coupled to firing cycle) for high-rate fire, and in manual mode (independent control) for precise aiming or special operations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system transitions from a static, fixed coupling between the percussion pin and firing cycle to a dynamic, adjustable control architecture. The system can switch between coupled and independent control modes, providing operational flexibility without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the percussion pin is independently controlled, then the aiming precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaiming precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control system intermediary (controller) is introduced to manage the independent percussion pin movement. This intermediary coordinates the complex control functions, allowing precise aiming through independent percussion pin positioning while managing the added complexity through centralized control logic.

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

Enables independent control of the percussion pin, allowing for precise aiming and decoupling the firing instant from the firearm's cycle, enhancing the firearm's operational flexibility and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

Said percussion pin is pushed by an elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3931520B1Breechblock assembly for a firearm and related firearm
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 LEONARDO SPA
  • EP3931520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3931520B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3931520B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

Breechblock assembly (3) for a firearm (1), comprising: a guiding element (31), in turn comprising a slide (314) adapted to slide along a guide (142) comprised in an actuation system (14) of the breechblock assembly (3) driven by a motor; a shutting element (35), adapted to shut an opening in a breech ring (12) of the firearm (1); and a percussion pin (34), which is pushed by an elastic element (332). The shutting element (35) comprising an axial hole (352) in which said percussion pin (34) is adapted to slide along a longitudinal axis (X), as a function of the firing cycle of the firearm (1) with which said breechblock assembly (3) may be associated. The percussion pin (34) being so shaped as to partially come out of said axial hole (352) of the shutting element (35) for firing a piece of ammunition. The breechblock assembly (3) comprises a control system (4) for controlling the percussion pin (34). The control system (4) being adapted to control the operability and the movement of the percussion pin (34) independently of a firing cycle of the firearm (1).