Inverted Locking Mechanism for Firearm Magazine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm magazine sleeves lack effective locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disassembly and are not volumetrically efficient for carrying and storage, and they often conflict with the magazine spring during assembly.
Innovation Solution
An inverted locking mechanism comprising a sleeve assembly and a base assembly with cooperative shapes and dimensions, featuring locking tab receiving holes, slits, and resilient tongues to securely lock the base assembly inside the sleeve assembly, preventing accidental disassembly and allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent accidental disassembly, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is inverted so that the locking tabs on the base assembly engage with recesses in the sleeve assembly, rather than the conventional approach where the sleeve would lock the base. This inversion allows the locking function to be achieved with simpler, more integrated components that reduce overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-acting through resilient tabs that automatically engage with the sleeve assembly when the magazine is assembled. The resilient nature of the tabs provides automatic locking without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing device complexity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to be secure and prevent accidental disassembly, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are designed with resilient properties that allow them to dynamically respond to assembly forces. During normal assembly, the tabs flex and automatically engage with the sleeve assembly. For disassembly, applying sufficient force in the opposite direction causes the tabs to flex and release, providing both security against accidental disassembly and ease of intentional disassembly without special tools.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism components are made larger to ensure secure engagement, then reliability is improved, but volume efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the existing magazine structure. The locking tabs on the base assembly fit within recesses formed in the sleeve assembly, and the resilient tongues are integrated into the base assembly structure. This nesting approach ensures secure engagement while minimizing the overall volume required for carrying and storage.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism with multiple components is used to ensure secure engagement, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are merged with the existing magazine structure. The locking tabs are formed as integral parts of the base assembly, and the resilient tongues are incorporated into the base assembly during molding or forming. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining locking security.
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 mechanism provides a secure, volumetrically efficient, and durable locking solution that prevents accidental disassembly, is inexpensive to manufacture, and can be adapted for various magazine types, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The tongues are configured to provide a resilient movement of the locking tabs
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted locking mechanism, including a sleeve assembly, a base assembly and a magazine tube assembly. The sleeve assembly has sleeve front, rear and lateral walls, and first and second locking tab receiving holes. The base assembly includes base front, rear, lateral wall, bottom walls, and first and second slits defining first and second tongues with first and second locking tabs. In the first embodiment, locking tab receiving holes are disposed at the sleeve lateral walls. Slits and respective tongues with locking tabs are disposed at the base lateral walls. In the second embodiment, locking tab receiving holes are disposed at the sleeve front and rear walls. Slits, tongues and locking tabs are disposed at the base front and rear walls. The sleeve assembly cooperatively receive the base assembly therein, when an inwardly force of a predetermined magnitude is applied to the first and second locking tabs.