Primer-Actuated Firearm Piston with Reciprocating Locking Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms, particularly handguns and long guns, face challenges with primer actuated systems that require structural reinforcement, asymmetric force distribution, and inefficiencies in ammunition feeding and accuracy due to tilting barrel designs and gas retarded blowback systems.
Innovation Solution
A firearm design incorporating a chassis with a barrel, slide, and reciprocating block, utilizing a locking element to manage the slide's movement and a primer actuated system for improved accuracy and feeding, featuring a reciprocating block that engages with the slide and barrel to prevent rearward movement until a limited distance is reached, allowing for a more efficient and compact mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking lug design is used in a primer actuated system, then the system can achieve reliable bolt engagement, but it requires structural reinforcement beyond typical pistol frames and takes up valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the locking lug from the traditional location on the frame and relocates it to the reciprocating block, which moves with the slide. This extraction from the static frame structure eliminates the need for structural reinforcement of the frame while maintaining reliable engagement through the moving block's interaction with the barrel extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented from the frame and assigned to a separate reciprocating block component. This block contains the locking lug that engages with the barrel extension, separating the engagement function from the frame structure and allowing the frame to remain simple while the block handles the mechanical engagement.
2Reliability
If a locking lug design is used in a primer actuated system, then the system can achieve reliable bolt engagement, but it directs forces asymmetrically, introducing uneven stress on internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lug is mounted on a reciprocating block that moves dynamically with the slide during operation. This dynamic positioning allows the locking interface to remain properly aligned throughout the cycling motion, distributing forces more evenly across the engagement surfaces compared to a static locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric engagement surfaces on the locking lug and corresponding barrel extension features. These asymmetric surfaces are specifically designed to guide the reciprocating block through a controlled path that balances the asymmetric forces generated during firing and extraction, preventing uneven stress on internal components.
3Volume of moving object
If a tilting barrel design is used, then the firearm can be compact, but it results in decreased accuracy and challenges feeding ammunition from alternating feed magazines
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is segmented into a fixed barrel assembly and a moving slide assembly. The barrel is firmly anchored to the frame, separating the firing platform from the cycling components. This segmentation allows the barrel to remain stationary for accuracy while the slide handles all the movement and compacting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting the barrel to achieve compactness, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the barrel fixed and allowing the slide and reciprocating block to perform all the reciprocating motion. This reversal of the traditional tilting mechanism maintains accuracy while achieving compact dimensions through different means.
4Device complexity
If direct blowback is used, then the system is simple, but it does not lock the breech, necessitating a very strong recoil spring
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating block performs preliminary locking action before the slide begins its rearward movement. The locking lug engages the barrel extension early in the cycle, maintaining breech closure during the critical pressure phase. This preliminary locking allows the use of a weaker recoil spring compared to direct blowback systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining positive engagement between the locking lug and barrel extension during the high-pressure phase. This mechanical cushioning protects the system from excessive recoil forces, allowing the use of a less powerful recoil spring while still protecting the breech.
5Speed
If gas retarded blowback is used, then the system can slow the rearward movement of the slide, but it captures hot gases to use as a buffer, getting hot and uncomfortable to shoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gas capture function from the blowback system and replaces it with a mechanical locking and unlocking mechanism. The reciprocating block with locking lug provides controlled slide movement through mechanical engagement rather than gas pressure buffering, eliminating the heat generation associated with trapping hot gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the gas-based cushioning mechanism of gas retarded blowback with a purely mechanical locking and unlocking system. The reciprocating block's engagement with the barrel extension through the locking lug provides controlled deceleration without involving hot gases, substituting thermal management with mechanical control.
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 design enhances accuracy and ease of ammunition feeding while reducing the need for strong recoil springs and minimizing carbon buildup, providing a more efficient and compact firearm operation.
Implementation Method 1
Firearms such as handguns typically operate by using the force generated from activated propellant or gunpowder to exert a rearward force on the slide of the firearm
Implementation Method 2
a locking element selectively engaging at least the slide and the block and operable to prevent rearward movement of the block when the slide is in the battery position
Implementation Method 3
a reciprocating block connected to the chassis and operable to reciprocate with respect to the slide between a block rear position in which a first limit surface of the slide abuts the block, and a block forward position in which the block is spaced apart from the first limit surface of the slide
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm comprising of a chassis, a barrel, a slide, and a reciprocating block connected to the chassis. The reciprocating block is operable to reciprocate with respect to the barrel between a chamber open position in which a face portion of the block is spaced apart from the breech end of the barrel and a chamber closed position in which the face portion of the block is proximate the breech end of the barre. A locking element selectively engages the slide and the block and operable to prevent rearward movement of the block when the slide is in the battery position, and to enable rearward movement of the block when the slide has moved rearward with respect to the block by a limited distance to an intermediate position forward of the recoil position.