Modular Slide Ejector Alignment for Firearm Caliber Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearms with existing ejector systems malfunction when using different ammunition calibers due to changes in cartridge diameter and barrel configuration, leading to inefficient cartridge extraction.
Innovation Solution
A modular firearm design where the entire slide, including the ejector, can be replaced with a second slide lacking an ejector, utilizing a stop on the component carrier as a rigid substitute ejector, ensuring optimal ejector function alignment with cartridge diameter and extraction path, and allowing interchangeable barrels and slides for various ammunition types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed ejector is integrated into the slide for standard ammunition, then cartridge extraction is effective for standard calibers, but the system malfunctions when using different ammunition calibers due to mismatched ejector position
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is designed as a movable component within the slide rather than a fixed element. It can shift longitudinally to adjust its protrusion distance into the cartridge extraction path, allowing optimal contact with cartridges of different calibers and maintaining reliable extraction across multiple ammunition types
Solution Approach 2:
The slide is divided into functional segments: a fixed component carrier with stop, a movable ejector element, and a spring mechanism. This segmentation allows the ejector to be independently positioned and adjusted within the slide assembly to accommodate different cartridge dimensions
2Reliability
If the ejector protrudes far into the cartridge motion path to ensure extraction, then extraction is effective, but the ejector interferes with cartridge loading and operation for smaller calibers
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector's longitudinal position is dynamically adjustable through spring loading and guide rails, allowing it to retract when not needed and extend only during the extraction phase when the slide moves rearward, thus avoiding interference with loading while maintaining extraction effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector operates periodically during the slide's rearward movement cycle, protruding into the cartridge path only during extraction and retracting during loading, creating a rhythmic engage-disengage pattern that prevents continuous interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular slide replacement system is implemented for different ammunition types, then adaptability to different calibers is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single slide design with a movable ejector and adjustable stop configuration can accommodate multiple ammunition calibers, eliminating the need for completely different slide assemblies for each caliber and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a firearm including a component carrier, a barrel having a cartridge chamber for accommodating a cartridge, and a slide that is supported on the component carrier in a longitudinally moveable manner and has a breech block for the barrel and a firing device for the cartridge. The slide bears an extractor for extracting a fired cartridge from the cartridge chamber. An ejector is supported on the slide in a longitudinally moveable manner, which ejector protrudes from the side into the extraction motion path of the cartridge and lies against a stop formed on the component carrier in the end phase of the rearward motion of the slide. The slide, together with the ejector, can be modularly replaced with a second slide having no ejector. For the second slide, said stop assumes the ejector function.