Firearm Magazine Follower Nonlinear Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm magazine assemblies experience reduced reliability and spring compression due to the spring catching on the follower, leading to buckling or twisting, which decreases magazine capacity and increases maintenance and loading force requirements.
Innovation Solution
A follower with a nonlinear end profile that translates lateral spring force into longitudinal force, featuring a concave and convex portion design to prevent the spring from catching and ensure proper compression, along with a magazine spring receiving space and cartridge interface for improved orientation and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional follower with a linear end profile is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spring catches on the follower causing buckling or twisting which reduces reliability and magazine capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The follower incorporates a nonlinear end profile with curved surfaces instead of flat or linear surfaces. The concave and convex portions create a smooth transition that guides the spring along a curved path during compression, preventing the spring from catching or binding on the follower while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
2Quantity of substance
If the spring is compressed to maximum capacity, then the magazine capacity is maximized, but the spring may catch on the follower increasing loading force requirements and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear end profile acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring and follower body. The concave portion receives and guides the spring, while the convex portion provides a smooth transition surface that directs the spring force along the longitudinal axis, mediating the interaction to reduce lateral forces and loading requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower's end profile parameters (curvature radius, transition angles, surface geometry) are optimized to match the spring's diameter and compression characteristics. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the system achieves maximum magazine capacity while maintaining acceptable loading force levels through proper force distribution.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a linear end profile is used on the follower, then manufacturing is simpler, but the spring experiences un-uniform buckling reducing spring longevity and increasing maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear end profile with its concave and convex curved surfaces provides a smooth, continuous path for the spring during compression. This curved geometry distributes contact forces uniformly across the spring surface, preventing stress concentrations and un-uniform buckling that would otherwise reduce spring longevity, while remaining manufacturable through standard metal forming techniques.
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
Enhances the reliability and longevity of the spring by preventing buckling and twisting, maintaining maximum compression, and reducing the loading force required, thereby improving the overall performance of the firearm magazine assembly.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the nonlinear end profile may be shaped to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force
Implementation Method 2
The exemplary method may also include causing a nonlinear end profile in at least one of the plurality of walls to deflect the magazine spring from catching on the nonlinear end profile
Data Source
AI summary
A follower for a firearm magazine is provided. In some embodiments, the follower has: a cartridge platform coupling a first wall to a second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the platform define a receiving space for receiving at least a portion of a magazine spring. At least one of the first wall or the second wall has a nonlinear end profile shaped to translate a lateral spring force into a longitudinal spring force.