Pistol Slide Stop Actuation and Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambidextrous slide stops in pistols are less effective for left-handed shooters, requiring more effort and movement to engage and release the slide, and can be hindered by thumb pressure during firing, leading to potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A slide stop system for pistols that includes a rotatable slide stop actuated by a control lever, which switches from a low to a high position when the magazine is empty, ensuring the slide is locked in the rear position, and features ambidextrous manual releases connected by a rigid link for improved ergonomics and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an ambidextrous slide stop with controls on both flanks is provided, then ergonomics for left-handed shooters is improved, but the stop deforms (bending and twisting) requiring bigger movement and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The slide stop control is divided into two independent parts: a left flank control and a right flank control, each capable of independently actuating the slide stop. This segmentation allows each control to work with a shorter, more direct lever arm, reducing deformation and required effort while maintaining ambidextrous functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical linkage system that connects each flank control to the slide stop. This intermediary mechanism transmits the control force efficiently with minimal deformation, allowing both left and right controls to operate the slide stop with equal ease without requiring excessive force.
2Ease of operation
If the stop control is positioned at the thumb location during firing, then ease of operation is improved, but parasitic pressure prevents the stop from raising and stopping the slide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the primary slide stop control on the left flank of the weapon, asymmetrically away from the dominant hand's thumb position during firing. This asymmetric placement eliminates parasitic pressure interference while maintaining ease of access. The control remains accessible to the dominant hand without being directly under thumb pressure during the firing grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the thumb - specifically on the left flank rather than on the right flank where thumb pressure occurs. This dimensional repositioning allows the control to remain accessible while avoiding the harmful interference zone created by thumb pressure during firing.
3Speed
If the slide stop hooks the slide on the left side only, then release responsiveness is improved for right-handed shooters, but effectiveness is reduced for left-handed shooters
Solution Approach 1:
The slide stop control system is designed with universal functionality for both right-handed and left-handed shooters. Both the left and right flank controls are mechanically linked to the same slide stop mechanism, allowing either hand to effectively actuate the stop. This multi-functional design ensures equal performance and responsiveness for shooters of either handedness.
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 enhances the ergonomics and reliability of the slide stop system for both right- and left-handed shooters by reducing deformation and effort required to engage the slide stop, thereby preventing malfunctions and ensuring the pistol is safely ready for rearming.
Implementation Method 1
a control lever for the slide stop, attached at one end, which can rotate about an axis attached to a shell or a frame at the front of the magazine
Implementation Method 2
said feed lever comprising a feeler lifted by the control actuator for side stop when the magazine is empty
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an automatic or semiautomatic pistol including a slide and a magazine. The magazine feeder includes an actuator that controls a slide stop. The slide stop, located rearward of the magazine, is designed to switch from a low to a high position. In its high position, the slide stop locks the slide in a rearward position. The pistol also includes a control lever for the slide stop, which is attached at one end to rotate about a pin forward of the magazine. The control lever includes a feeler that is lifted by the control actuator when the magazine is empty, causing the slide stop to switch from its low to high position. The slide stop may have ambidextrous manual releases rigidly connected to each other across the pistol.