Rotating Magazine Coupler for Fast Secure Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magazine coupling devices for firearms are inefficient due to precise alignment requirements, susceptibility to damage, and limited flexibility in arranging coupled magazines, leading to delays in firearm operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a magazine coupling apparatus featuring couplers with symmetrically arranged catches on mating faces that can be rotated to align in two opposed configurations, allowing for secure engagement and flexible positioning of coupled magazines, including floor plates and clip attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protruding studs and receiving apertures are used to engage magazines, then coupling is achieved, but precise placement is required and studs can catch and break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric catch designs where protruding catches on one magazine engage with recessed catches on the opposing magazine. This asymmetric configuration eliminates the need for precise alignment while maintaining secure coupling, as the asymmetric geometry guides proper engagement automatically during the coupling process.
2Reliability
If threaded rods are used to couple magazines, then connection is achieved, but the design is cumbersome and easily damaged by dirt and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple independent catches distributed across the coupling interface. This segmentation allows the coupling to tolerate localized contamination from dirt and debris, as not all catches need to be perfectly clear to maintain functional engagement. The modular catch design also eliminates single points of failure.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is required for coupling, then secure engagement is achieved, but delay in firearm operation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The catch designs incorporate preliminary guiding features that automatically align the magazines during the coupling process. The peripheral ridges and asymmetric catch geometries perform the alignment function before final engagement, eliminating the need for manual precise positioning and reducing operational delay while maintaining secure engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides apparatus for coupling an item to another item. The apparatus comprises a coupler mounted on the item and comprising a mating face having a plurality of catches thereon, the plurality of catches comprising at least one complementary pair of catches positioned and shaped to be engaged with corresponding catches of another coupler having an identical mating face when mating faces of two couplers are facewise engaged with and rotated relative to each other to align with each other. The coupler may be implemented as a floor plate of a magazine, as a clip, or in other forms.