Pushrod Operating System for AR-15 Residue Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AR-15/M-16 gas operated operating systems face issues with residue deposits from discharge gases, leading to decreased reliability and usability, requiring frequent cleaning which is difficult in field conditions without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A push rod operating system is introduced, featuring a gas block with a bore, a rod tube, a gas plug forming a gas chamber, and a piston rod element, along with a push rod element, which replaces the conventional gas system, allowing for easier maintenance and improved reliability by using FAL gas tube, push rod/piston rod, and gas plug components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a conventional gas operated operating system is used in AR-15/M-16 rifle, then the rifle can operate automatically, but residue deposits from discharge gases accumulate in the gas operating system requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the gas operating system components that accumulate residues (gas key, gas port, gas tube) from the AR-15/M-16 rifle. By eliminating these components and replacing them with a push rod system that does not have enclosed chambers where residues can accumulate, the patent resolves the contradiction by maintaining automatic operation while preventing residue buildup that compromises reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of discharge gases (which cause residue deposits in conventional systems) into a beneficial direct-impingement system where gases act directly on the bolt carrier group through a gas port in the barrel. This eliminates the intermediate gas operating components that would trap residues, thereby maintaining automatic firing while improving reliability by preventing deposit accumulation
2Extent of automation
If a conventional gas operated operating system is used in AR-15/M-16 rifle, then the rifle can operate automatically, but cleaning the gas operating system is difficult and requires specialized tools in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex gas operating system components (gas key, gas tube, gas port) that are difficult to clean in field conditions. By extracting these components and replacing them with a simpler push rod system, the patent enables easier maintenance and cleaning that can be performed in field conditions without specialized tools, while preserving automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a gas-operated system where gases are channeled through enclosed tubes and ports that are difficult to access for cleaning, the invention inverts the approach by using direct impingement where gases act directly on the bolt carrier group. This reversal eliminates the enclosed gas channels, making the system simpler and easier to clean in field conditions while maintaining automatic function
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional gas operating system components are used, then the rifle structure is established, but deposits inhibit proper operation requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the gas operating components (gas key, gas tube, gas port) that are prone to deposit accumulation and operational inhibition. By removing these components and implementing a push rod system, the patent maintains structural stability while eliminating the parts that require frequent cleaning to ensure proper operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the operating system by separating the gas impingement function (direct gas action on bolt carrier) from the push rod mechanism. This segmentation allows the gas system to be simplified without residues-trapping components while the push rod provides the necessary mechanical action, resulting in a structure that is both stable and easier to operate without frequent maintenance
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 push rod system reduces residue buildup, enhances reliability, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for easier cleaning and conversion of AR-15/M-16 rifles, improving cyclic firing rates and preventing damage to the trigger assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a gas plug floats in the gas chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A push rod operating system for an AR-15/M-16 rifle includes an AR-15/M-16 rifle having a barrel coupled to an upper receiver, a bolt carrier carried by the upper receiver, and a mechanical key coupled to the bolt carrier. A gas block is coupled to the barrel, the gas block having a bore therethough. A rod tube extends from the gas block in communication with the bore, toward the upper receiver. A gas plug has a gas chamber closing the bore of the gas block opposite the rod tube. A discharge gas pathway permits discharge gasses to enter the gas chamber from the barrel. A piston rod element is carried in the rod tube with a piston portion thereof reciprocally received within the bore of the gas block and movable between a first position abutting the gas plug to define an operating volume, and a second position. A push rod element is carried by the rod tube and engages the mechanical key and the piston rod element.