Auto-loading Shotgun Fire Control Feed Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Auto-loading firearms often require complex procedures and additional buttons or levers to manage the feed latch mechanism, making it difficult to load and unload rounds, especially for shooters wearing gloves, and there is a need for a simpler and more intuitive method to control the feeding and release of ammunition during both automatic and manual operation.
Innovation Solution
A fire control mechanism with a feed latch system that allows for the automatic loading of rounds without additional buttons or levers during manual cycling, utilizing a latch release lever and feed latch mechanism that pivots to control the feeding of rounds onto the carrier, and a magazine cutoff for secure operation, enabling easy loading and unloading by rotating the carrier and bolt assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional feed latch mechanism with release button is used, then the bolt can be locked in open position after last round is fired, but additional buttons or levers are required for manual operation which complicates the procedure and makes it difficult for shooters wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt handle and carrier into a single integrated assembly that rotates together. This merging eliminates the need for separate buttons or levers to control the feed latch, as the rotation of the unified bolt-carrier assembly directly manipulates the feed latch mechanism through the latch release lever, simplifying the user interface while maintaining functional separation of duties
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt-carrier assembly serves multiple functions: it extracts spent cartridges, controls the feed latch through rotational movement, and chambers new rounds. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated separate controls for each function, allowing a single rotational action to manage loading, unloading, and firing cycle control
2Ease of operation
If a release button for the latch is provided, then the latch can be released to allow loading of additional rounds, but the procedure becomes non-intuitive and requires multiple steps that are difficult to accomplish with gloves on
Solution Approach 1:
The feed latch is pre-positioned to engage with the carrier during normal operation, and the latch release lever is pre-configured to be manipulated by the bolt handle rotation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the release action is naturally integrated into the existing cycling motion, making it intuitive and requiring no additional steps or separate actions
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static button-press interface to a dynamic rotational interface. The bolt handle rotation naturally progresses through positions that first engage the feed latch for automatic loading, then can be continued to release the latch for manual intervention if needed, creating an intuitive sequential motion that adapts to the user's intent
Data Source
AI summary
An auto-loading firearm includes a bolt assembly that is both automatically operable and manually operable between a forward position closing the chamber of the firearm and a rearward position opening the chamber, and a fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism comprises a trigger plate assembly operably located between the chamber and a magazine that is capable of housing one or more additional rounds of ammunition. The trigger plate assembly includes a latch release and a carrier that is operable to lift a round from the magazine to the chamber. The fire control mechanism further includes a feed latch that is operable to release of a round from the magazine onto the carrier when disengaged by the latch release. The trigger plate assembly and the feed latch are configurable to control the release of rounds of ammunition from the magazine during manual operation of the fire control.