Repeating Rifle Mode Switching for Ergonomic Rapid Reloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing repeating rifles face ergonomic challenges in rapid reloading, particularly with thumbhole stocks and manual bolt handling, and other designs like pump-action and semi-automatic rifles have limitations in accuracy, reliability, and magazine capacity, making them unsuitable for various hunting scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A repeating rifle design with a tool-free switching mechanism allows operation via the fore-end or bolt handle, utilizing a sliding or pivoting switch to transition between straight-pull and pump-action modes, ensuring ergonomic and efficient reloading without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual rotational bolt action is used, then secure barrel locking is achieved, but reloading time increases and speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrel locking securityVSAvoidreloading speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fore-end movable relative to the receiver, allowing it to oscillate between forward and rearward positions. This dynamic movement enables the fore-end to directly drive the bolt mechanism during pump-action operation, eliminating the need for manual rotation and significantly reducing reloading time while maintaining secure barrel locking through the same bolt mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If thumbhole stock design is used, then grip comfort is improved, but reloading operation becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidreloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the fore-end to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the rifle, a pump-action operating lever, and a bolt driver. This multi-functionality allows the fore-end to enable rapid reloading without requiring the shooter to change grip or perform additional operations, thus reducing reloading time while maintaining the ergonomic benefits of the thumbhole stock design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If pump-action mechanism is added to straight-pull repeater, then reloading speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereloading speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the pump-action mechanism with the existing straight-pull repeater structure. The fore-end oscillation directly drives the bolt through integrated operating rods, merging the pumping motion with the bolt operation. This integration eliminates the need for separate pump-action components and mechanisms, achieving rapid reloading while minimizing additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4462068B1Repeater
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 ENGEL HEINZ ECKHARD DR
  • EP4462068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4462068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4462068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a repeating rifle (1), in particular a repeating rifle designed as a straight-pull repeater, comprising a fore-end (2) and a bolt handle (5), wherein the repeating rifle can be operated either with the fore-end or with the bolt handle, and wherein switching between operation with the fore-end and operation with the bolt handle is effected without tools by means of at least one operating handle (13) arranged on or in the repeating rifle. The at least one operating handle has a two-stage switching mechanism with a first switching state and a second switching state, wherein the repeating rifle can be operated with the fore-end in the first switching state and with the bolt handle in the second switching state.