Pellet Magazine With Actuation Switch And Spring Feeder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pellet guns have small magazines that require frequent reloading, lacking a convenient and efficient mechanism for dispensing pellets one at a time, which is unsafe and inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A pellet magazine with a finger-operable actuation switch mechanically coupled to a pellet pocket, using a spring-operated magazine channel to sequentially dispense pellets from a block into a pellet gun, ensuring a steady supply and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a small magazine is used in traditional pellet guns, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the duration of action is reduced requiring frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is segmented into multiple functional zones: a pellet storage channel, a spring-operated dispensing mechanism, and a separate actuation switch system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively providing extended duration of action without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to automatically advance pellets to the dispensing position before the user activates the switch. This preliminary action by the spring eliminates the need for manual pellet positioning and extends the operational duration by automating the feeding sequence.
2Ease of operation
If a manual pellet dispensing mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent manual reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine system performs self-service by using the compression spring to automatically feed and position pellets for dispensing. The user only needs to activate the switch, and the spring mechanism handles the complex task of retrieving and positioning the next pellet, greatly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring acts as an intermediary between the stored pellets and the dispensing mechanism. It mediates the transfer of pellets from the storage channel to the outlet, providing smooth automatic feeding without requiring direct manual intervention from the user.
3Reliability
If pellets are dispensed without a mechanical coupling mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to unsafe and inconsistent dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation switch is mechanically coupled to the pellet pocket member, merging the user interface with the dispensing mechanism. This coupling ensures that each press of the switch reliably triggers the correct sequence of events: the pocket rotates, captures the next pellet, and dispenses it through the outlet port consistently and safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling creates a feedback loop where the actuation switch directly controls the pellet pocket member's rotation and positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable and consistent dispensing by immediately responding to user input with the appropriate mechanical action, eliminating unsafe or inconsistent pellet release.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a large capacity magazine is used, then the duration of action is improved, but the volume of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pellet channel is nested within the magazine casing structure, and the compression spring is positioned within the same housing space. This nesting arrangement allows the magazine to hold multiple pellets in an extended configuration without significantly increasing the external volume of the device, as the components are arranged efficiently within the existing housing envelope.
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 solution provides a reliable and efficient mechanism for dispensing pellets one at a time, enhancing user safety and convenience by allowing sequential loading and reducing the need for frequent reloading, while being economical to manufacture and purchase.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is included in pellet spring channel portion and configured to normally urge the plurality of pellets toward the outlet port
Data Source
AI summary
A pellet magazine for attachment to a pellet gun includes an elongate casing having opposing top and bottom walls extending between first and second ends and opposing left and right sidewalls that, together, fine a magazine channel. The bottom wall defines an outlet port adjacent the first end. The magazine channel includes pellet and spring channel portions. A plurality of pellets may be inserted into the pellet channel portion. A compression spring is included in pellet spring channel portion to urge the plurality of pellets toward the outlet port. A pellet pocket member is rotatably coupled to the casing and positioned in the magazine channel in communication with the portion channel for moving a respective pellet from the loaded configuration to the unloaded configuration when actuated. The pellet pocket member is coupled to an actuation switch to sequentially actuate the pellet pocket to urge a pellet through the outlet port.