Longitudinally Sliding Bolt Collet Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Longitudinally sliding bolts in small arms require complex and costly manufacturing to achieve reliable bolt-to-barrel clutching, limiting their ability to maintain semi-automatic and automatic fire and preventing the use of high-yield cartridges due to the need for dual movements and precise speed and force control.
Innovation Solution
A longitudinally sliding bolt design featuring collet clutching petals with an inertial sleeve and spacer spring, allowing for one-movement reloading and automatic firing by leveraging a lever-type mechanism for clutching and declutching, with adjustable petals and a U-shaped inertial sleeve for controlled engagement with the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a collet mechanism with a sliding sleeve is used to clutch the bolt to the barrel, then one-movement reloading is achieved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases and manufacturing accuracy requirements become extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The collet mechanism is segmented into multiple independent petals (typically 3-6 petals) that can move radially relative to each other. Each petal is controlled by its own spring and can be independently engaged or disengaged from the barrel, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining reliable clutching.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt transition from static longitudinal sliding to dynamic collet-type clutching, where the collet petals can radially expand and contract to engage or disengage from the barrel during bolt movement, enabling automatic locking without complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a collet mechanism with precise speed and force control is used, then reliable bolt-to-barrel clutching is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The collet mechanism uses self-regulating springs that automatically adjust the radial force of each petal based on the engagement state. The springs provide progressive force that increases as the petal rotates into engagement, ensuring reliable clutching without external force control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutching force is not controlled by external actuators but by the inherent mechanical properties of the collet petals and their springs. The radial force parameter changes automatically with the angular position of the petals, providing progressive engagement that simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional longitudinally sliding bolts are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but dual movements (longitudinal and transverse) are required reducing rate of fire
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal movement of the bolt is merged with the radial expansion/contraction of the collet petals. As the bolt moves longitudinally forward or backward, the collet petals automatically expand to engage the barrel or contract to disengage, combining what were previously separate movements into a single longitudinal action.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides longitudinal locking, radial expansion for engagement, and automatic declutching during rearward movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transverse locking movements, increasing the rate of fire while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional bolt designs are used, then manufacturing is easier, but semi-automatic and automatic fire cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The collet mechanism enables periodic engagement and disengagement cycles that synchronize with the firing sequence. During automatic or semi-automatic fire, the bolt performs repeated longitudinal cycles where the collet petals periodically expand to lock and contract to unlock, maintaining continuous fire capability with simple periodic motion.
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
This design simplifies reloading, enables reliable semi-automatic and automatic firing, and supports high-yield cartridges without the need for complex speed and force control, enhancing the bolt's reliability and durability while maintaining accuracy and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial sleeve having a spacer spring
Implementation Method 2
spacer spring
Implementation Method 3
fastened with a circular spring shifted to the front side of the bolt from the central part of the collet clutching petals
Implementation Method 4
swing stops providing a lever-type mechanism for clutching and declutching the bolt to and from the barrel
Implementation Method 5
protrusions extending inwardly to engage with the barrel are provided on the inner side of the collet clutching petals
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to locking mechanisms for arms-grade bolts, in particular to locking mechanisms for longitudinally sliding bolts. The technical result is achieved by that a longitudinally sliding bolt of small arms with a collet clutching mechanism on a barrel comprises collet clutching petals, a sleeve-like element controlling the collet clutching petals, a striker, a striker spring, and a bolt spring having a stop. The collet clutching petals are arranged on top of a bolt body and framed by an inertial sleeve having a spacer spring. Furthermore, the collet clutching petals are fastened with a circular spring shifted to the front side of the bolt and have protrusions at both ends which extend away from a bolt axis. The spacer spring and the inertial sleeve configured to longitudinally slide along the collet clutching petals are arranged between the protrusions sequentially in a row away from the end of the bolt.