Locking Front Sight and Adjustable Gas Block for Firearm Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding or collapsible sights on firearms can inadvertently move, and the increased cycling rate due to suppressors and varying ammunition types leads to excessive wear and reliability issues, necessitating a solution for regulating gas pressure and securing the sight position.
Innovation Solution
A locking front sight mechanism with spring biased members and a secondary locking mechanism to secure the sight tower in desired positions, combined with a gas block that allows for varying gas pressure regulation through a sleeve with cam surfaces, enabling adjustment of the cycling rate for different ammunition types and suppressor use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a folding or collapsible sight is used to allow the sight to transition from a folded position to an extended position, then the sight can be configured to not interfere with optical sighting systems or accessories, but the sight may be inadvertently moved from the deployed position
Solution Approach 1:
The sight assembly is divided into separate components: the sight tower, the mounting block, and the locking mechanism with spring-biased members. This segmentation allows the sight to be folded or collapsed while maintaining stable locked positions through the independent locking mechanism that prevents inadvertent movement during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased locking members are pre-positioned to engage with the sight tower before operation begins. When the sight is deployed or folded, the locking mechanism automatically secures it in place, preventing inadvertent movement without requiring additional actions from the operator during critical moments
2Productivity
If a flash suppressor and/or sound suppressor is used to increase the rate of fire or cycling of the firearm, then the suppressor functions as intended, but the wear rate of components of the firearm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas block incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the gas port opening to be dynamically modified. By changing the gas port size, the system adapts to different suppressor configurations and ammunition types, regulating gas pressure to maintain reliable cycling while reducing excessive wear on firearm components during high-rate fire
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rifle is configured for use with one type of ammunition, then the rifle functions optimally with that ammunition, but the cycling rate becomes too fast when fired with another type of ammunition causing excessive wear and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The gas block is designed with adjustable gas ports that can be configured for different ammunition types. This universal design allows the same rifle to function optimally with various ammunition types (such as 5.56mm NATO and 223 Remington) by regulating gas pressure to appropriate levels, preventing both excessive wear and reliability issues across different ammo types
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 locking mechanism prevents inadvertent movement of the sight, and the adjustable gas block system ensures optimal performance across various ammunition types and suppressor configurations, reducing wear and improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Spring loaded detent balls maintain the sight in either raised or stowed position until sufficient force is applied to change position
Implementation Method 2
variations in the types of ammunition used with rifle will also vary the cycling rate of the rifle and a rifle configured for use with one type of ammunition may cycle too fast when fired with another type of ammunition
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A gas regulator for a rifle is provided, the gas regulator having: an elongated member having a first end and a second end; a head portion located at the first end; a pair of openings passing through the elongated member, wherein one of the pair of openings is larger than the other one of the pair of openings; and a recessed area located at the second end.