Quick Release Magazine Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ammunition magazine systems are not well-suited for exchanging spent magazines for fresh ones without disrupting the use of the weapon, as they are not readily swappable and do not allow for continuous firing.
Innovation Solution
A magazine holder system with a clip and latch mechanism that allows magazines to be laterally stacked and quickly swapped, enabling the user to exchange spent magazines while maintaining continuous use of the weapon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magazines are connected using screw-mounted brackets, then magazines can be securely attached, but the connection is not readily swappable and requires removal of the engaged magazine
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a holder with multiple compartments, individual magazines with attached connectors, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the engaged magazine to be independently released without affecting other magazines or requiring removal of the entire stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a release mechanism that transitions from a locked state (when engaged) to an unlocked state (when released). This dynamic mechanism allows the engaged magazine to be quickly exchanged while maintaining secure attachment of other magazines in the stack.
2Ease of operation
If a single magazine is used, then the weapon remains portable, but the ammunition supply is limited and requires frequent reloading
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magazines are combined into a single integrated stack through the holder and connector system. The magazines are connected in series, allowing them to function as one extended ammunition supply while maintaining the portability of the original single-magazine configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the ammunition supply in a lateral dimension by stacking magazines side-by-side in the holder, rather than increasing the vertical height or weight. This allows multiple magazines to be carried in a compact configuration that maintains weapon portability.
3Quantity of substance
If magazines are stacked together to increase ammunition supply, then more rounds are available, but the system complexity increases and swappability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and connector design is universal, accommodating multiple magazines of the same type in a standardized configuration. The release mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the engaged magazine, isolating it from the stack, and enabling quick exchange without affecting other magazines.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaged magazine is extracted as a separate, independently controllable unit from the stack. The release mechanism allows the engaged magazine to be selectively removed or replaced without disturbing the other magazines in the holder, simplifying the operation of multi-magazine configurations.
4Ease of operation
If the engaged magazine is removed for exchange, then a fresh magazine can be loaded, but the weapon becomes unavailable for firing during the exchange process
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is pre-positioned and ready to disengage the connected magazine at any time. This allows the user to quickly exchange magazines without needing to remove the engaged magazine from the weapon first, minimizing downtime and maintaining continuous availability of the weapon.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for holding a plurality of ammunition magazines in a stacked arrangement. The apparatus is configured to allow a magazine not in use in the stack to be disconnected from the stack while allowing a magazine engaged in the weapon to remain in place. The device comprises a clip located on one magazine sleeve that reversibly connects to a latch located on a second magazine sleeve. A magazine can comprise a latch on one side and a clip on an opposite side to permit stacks of more than two ammunition sleeves with magazines to be constructed. The clip and latch can be designed to provide variable spacing or staggering of magazines in order to adapt to weapons where space limitations require alternative configurations.