Firearm Receiver Latch Mechanism for Magazine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designs for fixed magazine firearms face challenges in providing convenient access to the magazine for loading ammunition, as existing rifle platforms are often not easily adaptable to a fixed magazine configuration.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism that rotatably engages the upper and lower receiver portions of a firearm, using a hook and spring system to securely lock and unlock the receivers, allowing for easy access to the magazine by pivoting between closed and open positions, facilitated by a lever and detent mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed magazine design is used to maintain simplicity and reliability, then the firearm structure becomes more robust and easier to manufacture, but access to the magazine for loading ammunition becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the receiver configurable between fixed and removable magazine states. The receiver includes a magazine well that can accommodate either a fixed magazine or a removable magazine assembly, allowing the firearm to dynamically adapt between the reliability of fixed magazine design and the operational convenience of removable magazines. This is achieved through structural features like the magazine well opening and engagement surfaces that support both configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the receiver into separate functional components: the main receiver body, the magazine well, and the magazine release mechanism. This segmentation allows the magazine portion to be independently configured as either fixed or removable, while maintaining the integrity and simplicity of the overall receiver design. The magazine well is structured as a distinct compartment that can interface with different magazine types.
2Device complexity
If existing rifle platforms are adapted to fixed magazine configuration, then the design simplicity and light weight are maintained, but convenient access to the magazine for loading ammunition is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables existing rifle platforms to dynamically adapt to fixed magazine configuration while maintaining operational flexibility. The receiver is designed with integrated magazine well features that work with both fixed and removable magazine assemblies, allowing users to configure the firearm based on operational needs without requiring separate platform designs. This maintains design simplicity while enabling convenient magazine access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the receiver to universally accommodate both fixed and removable magazine configurations. The magazine well structure, opening, and release mechanisms are designed to function with either type of magazine, making the receiver platform versatile. This allows a single receiver design to serve multiple functions and configurations, maintaining simplicity while providing operational convenience.
3Strength
If a latch mechanism with hook and spring system is used to lock receivers, then secure retention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded hook latch mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on receiver movement. The spring provides automatic biasing force that drives the hook into the latch surface during receiver closure and facilitates automatic release when the lever is actuated. This self-actuating mechanism provides secure retention without requiring complex manual locking procedures or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hook and latch surface as intermediary elements that mediate the connection between the two receiver portions. The hook on one receiver engages with the corresponding latch surface on the other receiver, providing a focused mechanical interface that secures the receivers together. This intermediary latch mechanism simplifies the overall connection system by concentrating the locking function into a specific, well-defined interface rather than requiring complex distributed fastening systems.
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 convenient access to the magazine for loading ammunition while maintaining the reliability and simplicity of a fixed magazine design, enhancing operational efficiency and user accessibility in firearms.
Implementation Method 1
A hook spring is mounted to the axle to bias the body and its contact surface towards the hook receiving surface
Implementation Method 2
The lever may be rotated to overcome the biasing of the hook spring to disengage the contact surface and the hook receiving surface
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm having a fixed magazine uses a latch to secure upper and lower receivers to one another in a closed position. The upper and lower receivers can be pivoted relatively to one another into an open position providing access to the magazine for loading by rotating the latch to release the upper and lower receivers from one another. The latch includes a hook spring biasing a hook contact surface of the latch to engage a hook receiving surface of a receiver when the receivers are moved from the open position to the closed position.