Opposite-Side Charging Handle for Rim-Fire Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Ruger 10/22 and Charger pistols have a charging handle located on the right side, making it awkward for right-handed shooters to manually cycle the action with their left hand, as they need to put the rifle in their left hand and operate the charging handle with their right hand, disrupting their shooting grip.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design with a charging handle positioned on the side opposite the ejection port, allowing for a reduced ejection port size and enabling ambidextrous operation by adding a charging handle reciprocation slot on the opposite side, which provides advantageous leverage and reduces lateral loading on the bolt engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging handle is located on the right side with the ejection port, then the ejection function is achieved, but it becomes awkward for right-handed shooters to manually cycle the action with the left hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the charging handle reciprocation slot from the ejection port by placing them on opposite sides of the receiver. The charging handle extends through a slot in the left side wall while the ejection port remains in the right side wall, allowing independent optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-sided combined opening to a dual-sided configuration by adding the charging handle slot on the opposite side of the receiver from the ejection port, effectively using the third dimension (side-to-side orientation) to resolve the operational conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the charging handle reciprocation slot is added on the opposite side, then ambidextrous operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver design maintains compatibility with standard Ruger 10/22 and Ruger Charger parts while adding ambidextrous operation capability. The bolt, trigger mechanism, barrel, and magazine remain standard, allowing the receiver to serve multiple functions without requiring complete system redesign.
3Area of stationary object
If the ejection port size is decreased, then the structure is more compact, but the ejection of spent ammunition casings may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the ejection port from the charging handle slot, the ejection port can be optimized for its specific function of ejecting casings without needing to accommodate the charging handle reciprocation, allowing for a more appropriately sized opening that maintains ejection efficiency while improving overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm receiver and bolt operating assembly for use in combination with a standard bolt for a semi-automatic rim-fire action of a Ruger 10/22®-pattern firearm. It includes a receiver configured to function with a reciprocating bolt and having an ejection port which does not include a bolt handle opening on a first side and an elongated charging handle slot on a second, opposite side of the receiver. A bolt closure mechanism includes a guide rod, a recoil spring on the guide rod, and an engagement member slidably mounted over the other end of the guide rod. The engagement member is received in a transverse seat of the bolt and provides a bolt handle configured to extend through the slot opposite the ejection port. The spring and rod are inwardly adjacent to the slot and laterally between the handle and the portion received in the seat of the bolt.