Side-Charging Upper for AR Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging assemblies for AR style firearms require users to change the weapon's orientation, which can be inconvenient and may lead to structural integrity and serviceability issues due to the use of small parts prone to breakage or loss.
Innovation Solution
A side charging assembly with a pull knob and charging hook held in place by a piston rod and spring mechanism, allowing charging without altering the firearm's orientation, featuring improved structural integrity and serviceability through the elimination of small parts and enhanced ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional top-mounted charging assembly is used, then the charging mechanism can be implemented, but the user must change the firearm's orientation from the typical shooting position, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The charging assembly is relocated from the conventional top-mounted position to a side-mounted position on the upper receiver. This dimensional change in placement allows the user to charge the firearm while maintaining the typical shooting orientation, eliminating the need to tilt or reposition the weapon and thereby improving ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If small parts are used in the charging assembly, then the device can be compact, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to parts being prone to breakage or loss
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle, return spring, and retaining mechanism are integrated into a unified side-mounted assembly that is directly attached to the upper receiver. This merging of components eliminates small loose parts that could break or be lost, while maintaining a compact form factor through the consolidated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging assembly is extracted from the conventional top position and reconfigured as a side-mounted unit with improved structural attachment. This extraction allows for a redesign that uses larger, more robust components less susceptible to breakage and loss, while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Productivity
If the charging assembly requires moving the firearm from shooting orientation, then the conventional design is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to additional movements required
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the charging assembly to the side of the upper receiver rather than the top, the user can perform the charging action without changing the firearm's orientation from the typical shooting position. This dimensional relocation enables continuous target acquisition and maintains operational convenience while improving charging efficiency.
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
Enables secure and efficient charging of AR style firearms without changing the shooting orientation, enhancing robustness and serviceability by using a piston rod and spring mechanism to hold the pull knob in place, reducing the risk of part loss and improving operational security.
Implementation Method 1
The pull knob and charging hook are held in a forward position by means of a piston rod in contact with the charging hook, which is coupled to a push spring
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the piston rod/push spring is further controlled by a piston rod guide tube and return spring
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are side charging assemblies, side charging upper receiver assemblies, and/or upper receiver bodies for an AR style firearm and AR style firearms comprising the assemblies and/or bodies described herein.