Firearm Charging Handle with Segmented Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional charging handles for firearms require two fingers to operate, causing the firearm to be moved off target and leading to stress on the pin holding the latch, which can result in metal fatigue and potential breakage due to the application of force on multiple surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A charging handle design featuring a handle and cog system with a spring bar that allows the user to apply force to either handle with one finger, using a plunger and cog mechanism to move the latch from a locked to an unlocked position, distributing tension equally across the handles and reducing stress on the pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional charging handle design requiring two fingers to operate is used, then the latch can be reliably engaged, but the firearm must be moved off target and stress is placed on the pin holding the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle is divided into two separate handles (first handle and second handle) that can be operated independently. Each handle has its own latch engagement mechanism, allowing the user to operate either handle with one finger without requiring two fingers to simultaneously engage both latches. This segmentation enables single-handed operation while maintaining reliable latch engagement through the distributed mechanical design.
2Force
If force is applied to multiple surfaces on the charging handle, then the latch can be engaged, but stress accumulates on the pin holding the latch causing metal fatigue and potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented across two separate handles rather than concentrated on a single surface. The spring bar distributes the applied force equally across both handles, which reduces the stress concentration on the pin holding the latch. This segmentation of force application prevents metal fatigue and potential breakage by spreading the mechanical load across multiple engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring bar acts as an intermediary element that transfers and distributes the applied force from the user's finger across both handles to the latch mechanism. Instead of direct force application to a single surface, the spring bar mediates the force transmission, ensuring equal distribution and reducing stress on the pin while maintaining effective latch engagement.
3Ease of operation
If paddles on the latch are used to allow single-finger operation, then the latch is easier to reach and the firearm can stay on target, but stress on the pin holding the latch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle mechanism is segmented into two independent handle-latch pairs, allowing the user to apply force to either handle with one finger. This segmentation enables easy reach and single-finger operation while the distributed mechanical structure reduces stress concentration on any single pin or engagement point, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stress reduction.
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 the user to operate the charging handle with one hand, maintaining the firearm on target and reducing the risk of metal fatigue and breakage by distributing the force evenly, thus enhancing durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring bar spanning the first handle, the plunger, and the second handle
Implementation Method 2
tension from the spring bar is applied equally across the first handle and the second handle
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm comprising an upper receiver and a charging handle is disclosed. A charging handle is coupled to the upper receiver and comprises a handle assembly rotationally coupled to a main body about a first and a second pivot point. The handle assembly includes a first handle having an edge nearest the main body and a latch extending from the first handle parallel to the main body for interfacing with the upper receiver in a first position, a second handle having an edge nearest the main body, and a plunger interfacing with the edge of the first handle and the edge of the second handle, and a spring, such that when force is applied to either handle, the plunger is pushed into the main body and energy is transferred to the handles, moving the latch into a second position.