Firearm Slide Lock Self-Holding Geometry for Glove-Friendly Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide locks in firearms, particularly for semiautomatic pistols, are difficult to actuate and maintain during disassembly, especially for users with fingertip dexterity issues or decreased finger force capabilities, and can be challenging when wearing gloves.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a slide lock that can be displaced transversely between unlocking and self-holding positions, featuring form-fitting engagement to secure the slide lock in place without continuous user force, utilizing projections and depressions in receiving slits of the frame to stabilize the slide lock in the self-holding position, and a spring mechanism to preload the locking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional slide lock mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in actuating and maintaining the slide lock during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock is divided into functionally independent guiding parts (first guiding part and second guiding part) that can be displaced relative to each other. The first guiding part interacts with the first receiving slit while the second guiding part interacts with the second receiving slit, allowing independent movement and simplifying the actuation process during disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide lock transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic self-holding position during disassembly. The mechanism allows the slide lock to be displaced from its initial position to a self-holding position where it remains stable without continuous user force, and can be easily returned to the locked position when needed.
2Ease of operation
If continuous user force is applied to maintain the slide lock in unlocking position, then the disassembly process can proceed, but the ease of operation deteriorates for users with decreased finger force capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock mechanism serves itself by automatically maintaining the unlocking position through its geometric design. The form-fitting engagement between the guiding parts and receiving slits creates a self-holding position that remains stable without requiring continuous external force from the user, eliminating the need for users to constantly apply finger pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to prevent spontaneous return to the locked position by creating a self-holding position. The geometric configuration of the guiding parts and receiving slits ensures that the slide lock cannot accidentally disengage from the self-holding position and return to the locked position, preventing unwanted locking during disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If the slide lock is designed to be easily actuated, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental displacement into locking position
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock mechanism transitions through defined dynamic states: locked position, self-holding position, and returning to locked position. Each state is stable and well-defined, with the self-holding position being easily achievable but the return to locked position requiring deliberate user action, thus preventing accidental locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-holding position acts as an intermediary state between the locked and fully unlocked positions. This intermediate position provides a stable transition state that is easily reached but cannot accidentally return to the locked position, serving as a safety buffer that prevents direct accidental locking while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easier disassembly by reducing the need for constant user force on the slide lock, allowing it to be released and held stably in the unlocking position, enhancing usability for various users, including those with dexterity challenges or wearing gloves.
Implementation Method 1
The slide lock is preloaded into the locking position by means of a slide lock spring
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (5) for a firearm (1), the locking device (5) comprising: - a slide lock (12), which is designed to be received in a frame (4) of a frame assembly (3), wherein the slide lock (12) can be received in the frame (4) displaceably between a locking position (13) and an unlocking position (14). The slide lock (12) can be received on the frame (4) displaceably in a transverse direction (18) between the unlocking position (14) and a self-holding position (32), wherein the slide lock (12) positioned in the unlocking position (14) can be displaced between the locking position (13) and the unlocking position (14) and the slide lock (12) positioned in the self-holding position (32) is secured to prevent it from being displaced into the locking position (13).