Pivoting Slide Assist Handle for Firearm Breech Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing breech-slide systems in firearms require significant grip strength to operate, making it difficult for users with weak or slippery fingers, or those missing fingers, to easily slide the breech-slider, which poses a usability challenge.
Innovation Solution
A slide assist system comprising a pivotally coupled assist handle with support members that can be easily deployed to aid in sliding the breech-slider, allowing for easier operation without interfering with the firearm's sights and enabling safe ejection and loading of cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the breech-slide uses traditional striations for gripping, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with weak or slippery fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The breech-slide system is segmented into the original breech-slide and a separate assistive device with gripping elements. This segmentation allows the gripping function to be enhanced independently without modifying the core breech-slide structure, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary assistive device with textured gripping elements is introduced between the user's fingers and the breech-slide. This mediator provides enhanced friction and grip without requiring changes to the breech-slide itself, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If an assistive device is added to improve gripping, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assistive device is designed to be universally applicable to different breech-slide configurations and can serve multiple functions including gripping enhancement, guiding the sliding motion, and accommodating users with various hand conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive operational assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistive device incorporates flexible or movable gripping elements that adapt dynamically to the user's grip strength and the breech-slide's position during operation. This dynamic behavior allows the device to provide optimal assistance throughout the sliding motion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If the assistive elements are positioned to aid gripping, then the ease of operation improves, but they may interfere with the firearm's sights
Solution Approach 1:
The assistive gripping elements are positioned locally on the rear portion of the breech-slide, away from the sight alignment area. This localized placement ensures that the enhanced gripping function is provided exactly where needed for operation while leaving the forward sight area clear and unobstructed, thus resolving the conflict between ease of operation and sight interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The assistive elements are designed to extend in a dimension perpendicular to the line of sight, allowing them to provide gripping assistance without projecting into the optical path. This dimensional arrangement enables simultaneous achievement of improved operability and uninterrupted sight alignment.
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 slide assist system facilitates easier operation of the breech-slider with reduced grip strength requirements, ensuring usability for a broader range of users while maintaining the ability to aim and safely eject or load cartridges without obstructing the firearm's sights.
Implementation Method 1
an assist handle (330) pivotally coupled with the first and second support members (310, 320) at the rearwards end portion (340)
Implementation Method 2
The spring member (440) may comprise a first bend (485) and a second bend (490). The sliding member (445) is configured to slide along the spring member (440)
Data Source
AI summary
A slide assist system for a firearm having a frame and a reciprocating slide is disclosed. The slide assist system contains an elongated body having a first end pivotally connected to the reciprocating slide, and an opposed free end, the elongated body being movable between a stowed position in which the elongated body extends along the reciprocating slide and a deployed position in which the free end extends away from the reciprocating slide.