Firearm Ejector Bolt Face Centering for Reliable Cartridge Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm ejector mechanisms often lack consistency and reliability in ejecting cartridges, particularly when designed for AR-15 style firearms, due to traditional designs that do not optimize the ejection path.

Innovation Solution

The proposed ejector mechanism is positioned at the center of the bolt face, with a hole to accommodate the firing pin, enhancing the ejection path and reducing the distance between the ejector and extractor, thereby improving ejection strength, reliability, and consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the ejector is positioned at a traditional location in AR-15 style firearms, then the design follows industry standards and military specifications, but the ejection consistency and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection reliabilityVSAvoidejector positioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector is repositioned from traditional symmetric or conventional locations to the center of the bolt face, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes the ejection path. This central positioning allows the ejector to directly engage cartridges regardless of chamber orientation, significantly improving ejection reliability while maintaining simple mechanical implementation through straightforward structural modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Force

If the ejector is positioned away from the center of the bolt face, then the design follows traditional AR-15 configurations, but the ejection path is lengthened and ejection strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection strengthVSAvoidejection path length

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the ejector at the traditional rear or side locations in AR-15 firearms, the invention inverts the conventional approach by placing the ejector at the forward center of the bolt face. This inversion dramatically shortens the ejection path length from the cartridge to the ejection port, increasing ejection strength and ensuring reliable ejection even when cartridges are chambered in unconventional orientations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the ejector is located at the center of the bolt face with a hole for the firing pin, then the ejection path is optimized and ejection consistency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveejection consistencyVSAvoidejector hole alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The central ejector design with a firing pin hole serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the optimal ejection path by positioning the ejector at the bolt face center, accommodates the firing pin mechanism, and maintains compatibility with standard AR-15 components. This multi-functional design improves ejection consistency while avoiding excessive manufacturing precision requirements by leveraging existing structural features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12241700B2Ejector for firearm

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 UNDERWOOD JAMES MATTHEW

AI summary

An ejector mechanism for a firearm includes an ejector disposed at a forward face of a bolt. The ejector includes a hole designed to provide clearance for the firing pin to pass at least partially through the ejector. The hole may include a counterbore on a rear side of the ejector.