Magazine Extension Locking Pin Assembly for Tool-Less Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magazine extensions for firearms are not robustly secured, can interfere with internal magazine components, and are difficult to attach and detach without tools, while teleconference systems face challenges in generating accurate and accessible transcripts.

Innovation Solution

A magazine extension system featuring a baseplate and side bracket secured by a locking pin, allowing tool-less attachment and detachment, and designed to withstand operational forces without interfering with magazine internals, combined with a mechanism to prevent accidental disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a magazine extension is affixed to a magazine in a robust and secure manner, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking arm with a cam surface, a cam surface on the baseplate, and a retaining spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining spring automatically engages the locking arm with the baseplate cam surface, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the magazine extension without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly steps. The spring maintains constant pressure to ensure reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the magazine extension, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of dislodgmentVSAvoidtool-less attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be actuated by simple manual pressure. The cam surface geometry enables the locking arm to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked positions, facilitating tool-less operation while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the locking pin is made removable for tool-less operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-less attachment and detachmentVSAvoidsecurity against accidental disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cam surface acts as an intermediary between the locking arm and the baseplate, translating simple manual pressure into a secure locked position. The geometric relationship between the cam surfaces creates a mechanical advantage that ensures reliable engagement while allowing easy release when intentionally actuated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12523436B2Magazine extension

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SHADOW SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A magazine extension is provided. The magazine extension includes a baseplate structured to receive a lower open end of a magazine, the baseplate having a laterally extending through-bore; a side bracket structured to couple to the baseplate for securing the magazine, the side bracket having a laterally extending through-bore; and a locking pin insertable within both the through-bore of the baseplate and the through-bore of the side bracket to lock the side bracket to the baseplate.