Firearm Rate Reducer Mechanism for Controllable Cyclic Fire

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Solution Overview

Problem

The M16/M4 family of firearms experiences uncontrollable recoil due to high cyclic rates of fire, leading to reduced hit probability, ammunition wastage, and reduced reliability when fired in fully automatic mode, with existing solutions failing to effectively address these issues without compromising reliability.

Innovation Solution

A 'rate reducer' device that delays the release of the hammer rather than slowing recoiling parts, allowing for adjustable cyclic rate reduction without affecting the firearm's reliability, and is compatible with both closed and open bolt positions, including the M4 Carbine's burst limiter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cyclic rate of fire is reduced by slowing recoiling parts, then controllability and hit probability are improved, but weapon functional reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon functional reliabilityVSAvoidcyclic rate of fire

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the control of cyclic rate from the recoiling parts motion. The hammer release mechanism is segmented as an independent controllable element that can delay firing without affecting bolt carrier group velocity, thus maintaining reliability while controlling fire rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism (hammer delay device) between the trigger pull and the actual firing action. This intermediary controls the timing of hammer release to regulate cyclic rate without interfering with the recoiling parts and their kinetic energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cyclic rate of fire is reduced by slowing recoiling parts, then hit probability within a burst is improved, but kinetic energy available for reliable operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidcyclic rate of fire

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hammer is delayed in its release action rather than slowing the recoiling parts. This preliminary delay in the firing sequence allows control of cyclic rate while preserving the full kinetic energy of the recoiling parts for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical approach of slowing recoiling parts with a substitution at the firing mechanism level. By controlling hammer release timing independently, the system achieves rate control without compromising the mechanical energy available for reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the cyclic rate of fire is high, then ammunition delivery speed is improved, but weapon controllability and hit probability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammunition delivery speedVSAvoidhit probability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic control of the hammer release mechanism, allowing adjustment of the delay period. This dynamic element enables optimization between ammunition delivery speed and hit probability by controlling the timing of each discharge without reducing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11512916B2Rate control mechanism for fully automatic firearms

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 REYNOLDS GEORGE L

AI summary

A rate reducer is provided that can be employed in a firearm capable of fully automatic fire to reduce the cyclic rate of firing. The rate reducer can be employed in newly manufactured firearms or in existing firearms by replacing the conventional automatic sear of the firearm with the rate reducer.