Hybrid Breech Locking Mechanism for Gun Systems
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon systems require complex mechanisms involving rotary movements or locking rings for breech closure and opening, which can be unreliable and prone to malfunction, especially in fully automatic weapons where remote control systems may fail to secure the safety device during firing.
Innovation Solution
A modular locking system with a block-like locking slide and kinematic ignition trigger, utilizing a seesaw lever and firing pin system secured by safety devices, allowing for both internal and external drive operation and ensuring proper breech locking and ignition through a hybrid drive mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary movements or locking rings are used for breech closure and opening, then the breech can be secured, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking block with locking surfaces, a locking cam for actuating the block, and a firing pin assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional rotary locking ring is extracted and replaced with a linearly moving locking block that engages with the barrel through simple locking surfaces. This extraction eliminates the complexity of rotary movements and multi-position locking rings while achieving the same securing function.
2Extent of automation
If remote control systems are used for fully automatic weapons, then automated operation is achieved, but the safety device may fail to secure during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is merged with the locking mechanism itself. The locking block and firing pin assembly are integrated such that the locking action inherently controls the firing pin position. When the breech is locked, the firing pin is automatically positioned to allow firing; when unlocked, the firing pin is blocked. This merging ensures that safety is directly tied to the mechanical state of the breech, preventing remote control failures from compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical intermediary system connects the locking block movement to the firing pin control. The locking cam acts as an intermediary that translates the linear movement of the locking block into corresponding movement of the firing pin assembly, ensuring that the firing pin can only discharge when the breech is properly locked, regardless of remote control status.
3Reliability
If complex locking mechanisms are used, then breech security is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional rotary locking ring that requires radial space, the invention inverts the approach by using a linearly moving locking block that travels parallel to the barrel axis. This inversion allows the locking mechanism to be compact in the radial direction while maintaining effective locking security, thereby reducing the overall volume occupied by the locking system.
4Productivity
If traditional breech mechanisms are used, then firing function is achieved, but downtime for closure and cartridge presentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking block is preliminarily positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the barrel locking surfaces as soon as the breech forward movement begins. This preliminary positioning eliminates delays in the locking action, allowing the breech to quickly secure after closing and reducing the overall downtime between firing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism uses dynamic spring-loaded components that automatically adjust to the breech movement speed and position. The locking block is spring-loaded to maintain constant contact pressure with the barrel, ensuring rapid engagement and disengagement. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to adapt to the high-speed cycling required for improved firing rates while maintaining reliable locking.
Data Source
AI summary
The weapon has a self drive with assemblies integrated into a weapon housing (10). An interlocking system (1) is combined with an external drive via a bolt (V) and a gas piston (G). A breech (4) and a breechblock carrier (5) are moved by the external drive. The assemblies of the self drive include a gas duct and the gas piston. The weapon housing is opened or closed by the bolt. The weapon housing is connected with a shot actuator to form a self powered handgun. The weapon housing is connected with an assembly for the external drive and a shot draw to form the externally driven weapon.