Spring Enhanced Buffer for Firearm Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The M16/AR15 carbine's shortened barrel and telescoping stock system result in higher operating pressures and bolt velocities, requiring different spring and buffer combinations than the rifle, leading to reliability issues and increased inventory complexity.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible stock tube assembly using a single uniform spring and buffer system, adjustable for varying barrel lengths from seven to twenty-four inches, with a sleeve-based buffer containing weights and a plastic bumper to maintain mass consistency and silence noise, ensuring reliable operation across carbine and rifle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a shorter barrel and telescoping stock system is used to create a carbine, then the weapon becomes more compact and easier to handle in confined spaces, but the operating pressures and bolt velocities increase significantly, requiring different spring and buffer combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single buffer assembly that can function reliably across multiple firearm configurations (rifle and carbine) with different barrel lengths. The buffer assembly includes a buffer, spring, and retainer combination that is engineered to handle the higher operating pressures and bolt velocities of carbines while also being compatible with rifle configurations, eliminating the need for separate spring-buffer combinations for each weapon type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the physical parameters of the buffer assembly components - specifically the spring rate, buffer mass, and retainer dimensions - to accommodate the range of operating conditions from seven-inch to twenty-four-inch barrel configurations. This allows the same assembly to adapt to varying pressure and velocity parameters across different firearm models.
2Reliability
If different spring and buffer combinations are used for rifle and carbine configurations, then each weapon type can operate reliably, but the inventory complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single buffer assembly that can function reliably across multiple firearm configurations (rifle and carbine) with different barrel lengths. The buffer assembly includes a buffer, spring, and retainer combination that is engineered to handle the higher operating pressures and bolt velocities of carbines while also being compatible with rifle configurations, eliminating the need for separate spring-buffer combinations for each weapon type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the buffer, spring, and retainer into a single integrated assembly unit. This merged assembly is designed to work together as one system, allowing it to be manufactured, tested, and inventoried as a single part rather than as separate components that must be precisely matched in specific combinations for different firearm types.
3Reliability
If a stiffer and shorter carbine action spring is used to counter higher operating pressures, then the carbine can operate reliably, but it cannot be used in rifle versions with longer barrels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single buffer assembly that can function reliably across multiple firearm configurations (rifle and carbine) with different barrel lengths. The buffer assembly includes a buffer, spring, and retainer combination that is engineered to handle the higher operating pressures and bolt velocities of carbines while also being compatible with rifle configurations, eliminating the need for separate spring-buffer combinations for each weapon type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and optimizing the physical parameters of the buffer assembly components - specifically the spring rate, buffer mass, and retainer dimensions - to accommodate the range of operating conditions from seven-inch to twenty-four-inch barrel configurations. This allows the same assembly to adapt to varying pressure and velocity parameters across different firearm models.
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 solution provides enhanced reliability, accuracy, and reduced complexity by using a single spring and buffer system for firearms of varying lengths, eliminating noise and ensuring consistent performance across different barrel lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a spring working with a buffer mass which assists the action mechanism in ejecting the spent cartridge
Implementation Method 2
the carbine action spring is stiffer than the rifle action spring, and the functional length of the carbine spring is much shorter than the rifle spring
Implementation Method 3
the high pressure gases that are bled off at this port are what provide the energy for the weapon to operate; however, the gas pressures of the new shorter carbine system are nearly double what the original system was designed to do. This causes significantly higher operating pressures and forces the weapon to operate at much higher cyclic rates and with a noticeably increased bolt velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer for a firearm having a sleeve member having an open end and a closed end. A mass is contained within the sleeve member. This mass is chosen to meet the demands of the particular firearm. A bumper secures and seals the open end of said sleeve. A spring within the sleeve maintains the mass at a predetermined location when the buffer is in an at-rest position.