Self-Locking Bolt Assembly for Reduced Recoil and Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional AR-15 firearms face issues with complexity, weight, recoil, and maintenance due to large recoil springs and bolt systems, which affect accuracy and require external components like buttstocks, and there is a need for a self-locking bolt system that can handle reduced pressure in pistol caliber carbines.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking bolt assembly with a short stroke mechanism that is internally lockable, using a base plate, recoil rod, bolt body, and various locking mechanisms like roller bearings, lever locks, or cam rotary locks, allowing for delayed blowback and reduced weight, enabling the assembly to fit within the receiver and eliminating the need for external locking surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large and heavy recoil spring and bolt are used to handle discharge pressures, then the firearm can accommodate traditional caliber bullets, but the weight and recoil increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by switching from high-pressure traditional calibers to low-pressure pistol calibers, allowing the use of lighter bolt and spring components while maintaining functional effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the heavy recoil spring from the traditional AR-15 configuration, replacing it with a lightweight spring-loaded bolt system that achieves similar pressure management without the weight penalty
2Strength
If a traditional recoil spring system is used, then the firearm can manage explosion forces, but the recoil spring extends into the buttstock requiring it to be fixed and non-foldable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the recoil spring from the longitudinal dimension (extending into the buttstock) to a transverse dimension (mounted on the bolt carrier group), enabling the buttstock to be folded without interfering with the spring's function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the recoil spring system from the buttstock structure, making the spring an independent component mounted on the bolt carrier group rather than integrated into the stock, thereby allowing buttstock foldability
3Strength
If the bolt rotates and locks to the barrel extension, then the firearm can lock the bolt securely, but it requires an external surface (barrel extension) for locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking surfaces onto the bolt carrier group itself, combining the locking function with the bolt assembly rather than requiring a separate barrel extension, thereby eliminating dependency on external structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the bolt carrier group self-sufficient by providing its own locking surfaces and mechanism, allowing it to lock securely without requiring external support structures like the traditional barrel extension
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 solution provides a lightweight, compact, and easily maintainable firearm with reduced recoil and the option for a folding stock, as it delays blowback until pressure is safe, offering improved maneuverability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (49, 59, 69) around said rod, said spring biased to move said bolt body forward
Implementation Method 2
Rearward movement of the bolt body due to inertia causes the locking mechanism to be disengaged
Data Source
AI summary
A self-locking bolt assembly is provided having a short stroke allowing the assembly to be contained within the receiver. The assembly has a base plate, a recoil rod with a spring, a bolt body, a bolt and a locking mechanism. The bolt is internally (i.e. lockable onto itself) lockable when the bolt is in battery. The locking mechanism, for example, can be a roller bearing, a lever lock, a cam rotary lock or a roller. The locking mechanism engages to recoil rod and prevents rearward motion of the bolt. Blowback and reciprocation of the bolt are temporarily delayed after a shot is fired until after the bolt is unlocked. Rearward movement of the bolt body due to inertia causes the locking mechanism to be disengaged to unlock the bolt and to allow for reciprocation of the bolt.