Interchangeable Firearm Magazine Release Handle for Ergonomic Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magazine release/holding devices for firearms are often complex, bulky, and difficult for left-handed shooters to operate, as they are typically designed for right-handed use, leading to ergonomic issues and potential damage or failure during use.

Innovation Solution

A magazine release/holding device with an interchangeable actuating handle that can be adjusted in height and width, allowing for easy adaptation to individual shooter ergonomics, and can be operated from either side, featuring a secure mounting system and a ramp-like actuating section for smooth magazine transfer between holding and release positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a magazine release/holding device is designed for right-handed shooters only, then the device structure is simple and compact, but left-handed shooters cannot operate it easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability for left-handed shootersVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing different actuating handle configurations on opposite sides of the magazine release slide. The right side has a first actuating handle while the left side has a second actuating handle, allowing each side to be optimized for its intended hand while maintaining overall device functionality for both right-handed and left-handed shooters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine release slide is designed with universal functionality by incorporating both a first actuating handle for right-handed operation and a second actuating handle for left-handed operation on the opposite side. This multi-functional design allows the single device to serve both right-handed and left-handed shooters without requiring separate devices

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the actuating handle is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but it does not adapt to different shooter ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic adaptationVSAvoidhandle configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the actuating handles interchangeable and repositionable on the magazine release slide. The handles can be removed and reattached at different positions, allowing the device to adapt dynamically to different shooter preferences, hand sizes, and ergonomic requirements rather than being fixed in a single configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the actuating handle protrudes significantly from the grip, then it is easier to operate, but it becomes susceptible to damage or unintentional actuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle accessibilityVSAvoidprotection against damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different protrusion distances for the first and second actuating handles on opposite sides of the magazine release slide. Each handle can be optimized locally for its specific operational requirements while maintaining overall device balance and functionality, allowing one side to have greater protrusion for easier access while the other side has reduced protrusion for protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3435022B1Magazine release/hold device of a firearm and a firearm grip and firearm housing equipped with the same
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 HECKLER & KOCH GMBH
  • EP3435022B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3435022B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3435022B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a magazine release/holding device (1) of a firearm with a magazine release slide (13, 15) for moving a magazine retaining element (25, 49) from its magazine retaining position to its magazine release position and vice versa, wherein at least one interchangeable actuating handle (15) projecting from one side of a grip/housing (3) of the firearm is provided on the magazine release slide (13, 15). The magazine release/holding device (1) is characterized in that the at least one actuating handle (15) on the magazine release slide (13, 15) can be interchanged and mounted without tools.The invention further relates to both a grip and a weapon housing (3) of a firearm, each of which is equipped with such a magazine release/holding device (1), and to a magazine (23) of a firearm, characterized in that it has, in particular on its front, a stop (89) for effective engagement with such a magazine release/holding device (1).