Firearm Buffer System with Movable Weights for Smooth Bolt Carrier Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing buffer systems in firearms often result in sharp acceleration movements during the retraction of the bolt carrier group, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability in ejecting spent cartridges and chambering new rounds, due to inadequate smoothing of the operational cycle.
Innovation Solution
A buffer system is introduced that includes a bolt carrier assembly with weights and a spring, where the weights are biased along a longitudinal axis to absorb and distribute the energy from the firing action, smoothing the movement of the bolt carrier group and enhancing the fluidity of the operational cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional buffer spring is used to retract the bolt carrier group, then the bolt carrier can be returned to the forward position, but sharp acceleration movements occur during retraction causing reduced accuracy and unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the buffer system by adding weights to the bolt carrier assembly. These weights modify the mass distribution and inertia characteristics, causing the bolt carrier group to move more slowly and smoothly during retraction. The spring rate and mass parameters are effectively changed to reduce acceleration and improve operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing the weights to move freely within the bolt carrier cavity during operation. This creates a dynamic mass distribution system where the weights can shift positions to optimize the smoothing effect during different phases of the operational cycle, transforming the static buffer spring system into a dynamic mass-spring system.
2Productivity
If the bolt carrier group is moved quickly to chamber a new round, then productivity is improved, but sharp acceleration movements reduce accuracy and cause poor feeding
Solution Approach 1:
By adding weights to the bolt carrier assembly, the patent changes the mass parameter of the moving system. This increased mass reduces the acceleration rate during retraction while maintaining the overall cycling speed through the spring force, thereby improving accuracy without significantly sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The weights act as a form of cushioning element that is built into the bolt carrier assembly before operation. They preemptively dampen the sharp acceleration movements that would otherwise occur during rapid cycling, cushioning the impact and reducing recoil while maintaining cycling speed.
3Ease of operation
If buffer weights are added to smooth the bolt carrier action, then operational fluidity is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the buffer weights with the bolt carrier assembly, combining two separate components into one integrated unit. The weights are positioned within the bolt carrier cavity and move with it during operation, eliminating the need for separate buffer weight components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt carrier assembly serves multiple functions: it carries the bolt, contains the weights for smoothing, and integrates the spring mechanism. By making the bolt carrier assembly multi-functional, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining operational fluidity.
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 improves the accuracy and reliability of the firearm by reducing sharp acceleration movements, ensuring consistent and repeatable operation, and allows for a more compact firearm design by optimizing the buffer system's size and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The spring biases the at least one weight along the longitudinal axis toward at least one of the forward stop or the aft stop
Implementation Method 2
at least one weight disposed within the cavity... configured to be driven against the spring bias in response to a firing action of the firearm
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are buffer systems, bolt assemblies, firearms, and related methods, devices, and assemblies. A bolt carrier assembly for a firearm of an example includes: a bolt carrier body defining a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the bolt carrier; at least one weight disposed within the cavity; a forward stop at a forward end of the cavity; and an aft stop at an aft end of the cavity. In some embodiments, the bolt carrier assembly may include a spring, where the spring biases the at least one weight along the longitudinal axis toward at least one of the forward stop or the aft stop, where the at least one weight is configured to be driven against the spring bias in response to a firing action of the firearm.