Handgun Magazine With Segmented Single- and Double-Stack Sections

Solution Overview

Problem

Handgun design faces challenges in achieving a compact size for improved concealability and control while maintaining high ammunition capacity, particularly with the trade-offs between single-stack and double-stack magazines.

Innovation Solution

A detachable box magazine design featuring a combination of single-stack and double-stack portions, with a spring plate and grip extension, allowing for reduced grip thickness and increased ammunition capacity compared to traditional single-stack magazines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a single-stack magazine is used, then the grip thickness is reduced for improved concealability, but the ammunition capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip thicknessVSAvoidammunition capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine is divided into two distinct portions: a single-stack portion for the upper cartridges and a double-stack portion for the lower cartridges. This segmentation allows the magazine to achieve both reduced grip thickness (from the single-stack upper portion) and increased ammunition capacity (from the double-stack lower portion), resolving the contradiction between concealability and capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine utilizes vertical stacking in two different configurations within the same structure. The single-stack portion stacks cartridges vertically in one column, while the double-stack portion stacks cartridges in two columns. This dimensional variation allows the magazine to optimize both grip thickness and capacity by combining different spatial arrangements of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If a double-stack magazine is used, then the ammunition capacity is increased, but the grip thickness increases reducing concealability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammunition capacityVSAvoidgrip thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine is divided into two distinct portions: a single-stack portion for the upper cartridges and a double-stack portion for the lower cartridges. This segmentation allows the magazine to achieve both reduced grip thickness (from the single-stack upper portion) and increased ammunition capacity (from the double-stack lower portion), resolving the contradiction between concealability and capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the magazine have different stacking configurations tailored to their specific functions. The upper single-stack portion is optimized for minimizing grip thickness and maximizing concealability, while the lower double-stack portion is optimized for maximizing ammunition capacity. Each local region has the quality (stacking configuration) that best serves its purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the grip thickness is reduced for improved ergonomics and control, then the ammunition capacity must be maintained through alternative designs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomics and controlVSAvoidammunition capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The magazine is divided into two distinct portions: a single-stack portion for the upper cartridges and a double-stack portion for the lower cartridges. This segmentation allows the magazine to achieve both reduced grip thickness (from the single-stack upper portion) and increased ammunition capacity (from the double-stack lower portion), resolving the contradiction between concealability and capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magazine utilizes vertical stacking in two different configurations within the same structure. The single-stack portion stacks cartridges vertically in one column, while the double-stack portion stacks cartridges in two columns. This dimensional variation allows the magazine to optimize both grip thickness and capacity by combining different spatial arrangements of the same component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250334364A1Handgun and magazine therefor

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 SIG SAUER INC

AI summary

A handgun has a grip portion defining a magazine well, the grip portion having a web region configured to be grasped between a thumb and an index finger, a forward portion of the web region defining a first width. The grip portion also has a palm region configured to be grasped by a user's palm, the palm region defining a second width greater than the first width. A magazine is configured to be received in the magazine well and includes a hollow magazine tube with a single-stack portion and a double-stack portion positioned below the single-stack portion. For example, front portions of the opposite tube sidewalls have a stepped shape between the upper tube end and the double-stack portion.