Firearm Shell Loading Carrier Latch Disconnect Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shotgun ammunition loading systems either increase friction and force needed to cycle the action or require an additional user-operated button to release shells, both of which are undesirable from an operational standpoint.
Innovation Solution
A shell loading system that includes a carrier latch disconnect and a spring-biased carrier pawl, which allows for timed release of shells from the magazine tube without additional user intervention, using a hammer interface to lock the carrier down during firing and prevent recoil from affecting shell loading, ensuring efficient and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carrier latch contacts the slide to time shell release, then the shell release timing is achieved, but the friction and force needed to cycle the action increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier latch disconnect as an intermediary component that mediates between the carrier latch and the slide. This disconnect mechanism allows the carrier latch to be released by the slide without direct contact between the latch and slide surfaces, thereby achieving shell release timing while minimizing friction and force requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger is pulled to release shells from the magazine tube, then shell release is achieved, but an additional user-operated button is required which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the carrier latch automatically releases the shell at the appropriate time during the cycling action without requiring user intervention. The hammer interface with the carrier latch disconnect enables automatic timing and release, eliminating the need for additional user-operated buttons or controls.
3Extent of automation
If the carrier latch is used to time shell release, then automatic timing is achieved, but the system requires complex interaction between multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing function from the carrier latch itself and transfers it to the carrier latch disconnect mechanism. By separating the holding function (carrier latch) from the release timing function (disconnect mechanism), the system achieves automatic timing with simpler, more specialized components that have clearer, less complex interactions.
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
The system enables efficient and reliable loading of shells into the shotgun breech, reducing friction and eliminating the need for additional user-operated buttons, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and usability of the firearm.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased carrier pawl, which allows for timed release of shells from the magazine tube
Implementation Method 2
using a hammer interface to lock the carrier down during firing and prevent recoil from affecting shell loading
Data Source
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AI summary
A shell loading system for a firearm in one embodiment includes a barrel, receiver, reciprocating slide and bolt assembly, tubular magazine, carrier operable to receive and feed shells from the magazine into the action, a spring-biased carrier latch laterally moveable to engage the carrier, and a pawl pivotably mounted on the carrier. A carrier latch disconnect is also pivotably mounted to the carrier and operated by the pawl. The carrier latch disconnect and pawl are movable independently of each other in one embodiment. The carrier latch disconnect is operable to block the carrier latch from engaging the carrier in a first position. In a second position when activated by the pawl, the carrier latch disconnect releases the carrier latch to engage the carrier which is locked in a downward position to receive a shell from the magazine.