Compact Recoil Buffer with Nested Spring and Reciprocating Mass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing recoil buffer systems in firearms, such as the AR-15, are cumbersome and heavy due to the length required for the buffer tube to accommodate the recoil spring and bolt carrier, and they do not effectively utilize the weight of the buffer element as part of the reciprocating mass, leading to inefficiencies in recoil management.
Innovation Solution
A recoil buffer system comprising a compact buffer tube with a buffer tube recoil spring, a buffer element with a recoil spring, a collar, a sleeve, and a bumper, where the buffer element recoil spring is positioned between the collar and the sleeve, allowing for a shorter buffer tube length and utilizing the components as part of the reciprocating mass for improved recoil management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the buffer tube is made longer to accommodate the recoil spring and bolt carrier, then the recoil management is improved, but the overall weight and length of the firearm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element is positioned inside the buffer tube, with the recoil spring nested around the buffer element. The collar and sleeve components are positioned at different locations along the buffer tube interior, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization. This nesting allows the recoil management components to be compactly arranged without increasing the external dimensions of the buffer tube assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer element is designed to reciprocate within the buffer tube, moving dynamically between the collar and sleeve during the firing cycle. The recoil spring provides dynamic force to push the buffer element forward after rearward movement. This dynamic design allows the system to manage recoil effectively while maintaining a compact size, as the components utilize the available space through motion rather than requiring static accommodation of all components.
2Length of moving object
If the buffer tube length is reduced for compactness, then the firearm size is improved, but the recoil spring accommodation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The recoil spring is positioned around the buffer element in a nested configuration, allowing the spring to be contained within the buffer tube without requiring additional length. The spring's outer diameter is designed to fit within the buffer tube's internal diameter, creating an efficient use of the radial space available in the shortened buffer tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a linear arrangement where components are stacked along the length of the buffer tube to a more three-dimensional arrangement. The recoil spring wraps around the buffer element, utilizing the radial dimension rather than only the axial dimension. This dimensional change allows the spring to be accommodated in a compact space without compromising its functional length or the buffer tube's external length.
3Reliability
If the buffer element weight is increased for better recoil absorption, then the dead blow effect is improved, but the overall firearm weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer element is integrated with the reciprocating mass of the firearm system, working in conjunction with the bolt carrier and other moving components. By merging the buffer element's mass with the existing reciprocating mass, the design achieves effective recoil absorption through the combined mass of all moving parts rather than relying solely on a heavy buffer element. This approach provides the dead blow effect while minimizing additional weight.
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 system enables a more compact and efficient recoil management system that allows for a shorter buffer tube, utilizes standard bolt carriers, and provides a 'dead blow' effect, enhancing the rifle's operating performance and allowing for easier assembly and tuning.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer tube recoil spring, wherein the buffer tube recoil spring extends from a first end to a second end... a buffer element recoil spring, wherein the buffer element recoil spring is positioned about at least a portion of the elongate buffer element body portion
Implementation Method 2
a bumper, wherein a bumper extension portion extends from a first end of the bumper to a bumper shoulder... providing a 'dead blow' effect
Data Source
AI summary
A recoil buffer system having a buffer element with a buffer element body portion, a buffer element knob, and a buffer element cavity; a collar; a sleeve, wherein a sleeve recess is formed so as to accept at least a portion of the buffer element body portion therein; a buffer element recoil spring, wherein the buffer element recoil spring is positioned about at least a portion of the elongate buffer element body portion, between the collar and the sleeve; and a bumper, wherein a bumper extension portion extends from a first end of the bumper to a bumper shoulder, wherein the bumper extension portion is such that at least a portion of the bumper extension portion can be fitted at least partially within the sleeve aperture.