Firearm Modification Kit for Ambidextrous Charging Handle

Solution Overview

Problem

The AK-47 assault rifle lacks a mechanism to allow efficient operation by both right- and left-handed users, as the conventional charging handle configuration makes it difficult for users to hold the pistol grip with their strong hand, leading to slowed and unsteady aiming during firing.

Innovation Solution

A firearm modification kit that replaces the conventional receiver cover and bolt carrier, featuring a receiver cover with retaining fins and a guide track, a charging handle assembly with a slide and auxiliary charging handle, and an engagement pin to facilitate the bolt carrier's rearward movement with either hand, allowing ergonomic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the charging handle is positioned on the right side of the bolt carrier (conventional configuration), then the AK-47 can be operated normally by right-handed users, but left-handed users cannot efficiently operate the firearm as they must hold the pistol grip with their weak hand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging handle assembly is made movable along the bolt carrier, transitioning from a fixed position to a dynamic configuration that can be repositioned. The handle slides along a guide track and can be locked in different positions, allowing the same firearm to be adapted for different hand dominances without requiring multiple separate firearms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging handle assembly is divided into separate components: the handle itself, the slide mechanism, and the engagement pin. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently positioned and locked into different locations on the bolt carrier, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation for either right or left-handed users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the charging handle is moved to the left side to accommodate left-handed users, then left-handed users can operate the firearm efficiently, but right-handed users experience difficulty in aiming and firing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The charging handle assembly is made movable along the bolt carrier, transitioning from a fixed position to a dynamic configuration that can be repositioned. The handle slides along a guide track and can be locked in different positions, allowing the same firearm to be adapted for different hand dominances without requiring multiple separate firearms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging handle assembly is divided into separate components: the handle itself, the slide mechanism, and the engagement pin. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently positioned and locked into different locations on the bolt carrier, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation for either right or left-handed users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed charging handle configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the firearm cannot be efficiently operated by both right- and left-handed users

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging handle assembly is made movable along the bolt carrier, transitioning from a fixed position to a dynamic configuration that can be repositioned. The handle slides along a guide track and can be locked in different positions, allowing the same firearm to be adapted for different hand dominances without requiring multiple separate firearms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging handle assembly is divided into separate components: the handle itself, the slide mechanism, and the engagement pin. This segmentation allows the handle to be independently positioned and locked into different locations on the bolt carrier, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation for either right or left-handed users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8117954B1Firearm modification kit

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 DAVIS DOUGLAS P

AI summary

A kit for modifying a firearm such as a Kalashnikov assault rifle, better known as the AK-47, so as to permit the bolt carrier to be pulled back easily with either the right hand or left hand of a user. The kit includes a receiver cover including an arch-shaped crown and a pair of retaining fins that are affixed to the bottom of the crown. Each of the retaining fins has an upper portion extending outwardly and downwardly from a respective one of the opposed sides of the crown. Each of the retaining fins also has a lower portion that extends downwardly from the bottom of one the upper portions. One of the retaining fins is provided with a slot that extends along the length of its upper portion. A guide track is affixed to the retaining fin having the slot. The guide track has a pair of retaining flanges disposed on opposite sides of the slot. A charging handle assembly is secured to the guide track and includes a slide that is slidably engaged with the retaining flanges and is adapted to move along the length of the guide track. An auxiliary charging handle is affixed to, and projects outwardly from, the slide. An engagement pin is affixed to, and projects inwardly from, the slide. The engagement pin extends through the slot so as to engage the bolt carrier of the firearm and move the bolt carrier when the charging handle is pulled rearwardly.