Telescoping Firearm Magazine Closure Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm magazine designs are complex, bulky, non-portable, and prone to debris intrusion, with cumbersome loading and unloading processes, especially in dirty environments, and often require separate loading apparatuses that add unnecessary complexity and risk of malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A simplified magazine design featuring a telescoping closure member with integral handle-like sidewalls and a spring-loaded follower system that allows for easy loading and unloading without resistance, integrated into a single unit with reduced parts and no exposed slots to prevent debris intrusion, enabling rapid and efficient ammunition handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional magazine design with a hinge and latch is used, then the magazine can be opened and closed, but the hinge and latch are subject to getting caught on objects and deforming when in an opened condition
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed to be slidable rather than hinged, allowing dynamic movement between closed and open positions without being caught on objects. The linear sliding path eliminates the arc motion of hinges, preventing deformation and catching issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is separated from the magazine body by a removable latch mechanism, allowing independent movement and preventing the closure member from deforming when opened. The latch can be detached to fully open the closure member without strain.
2Ease of operation
If slots are machined along the edges of the closure member for sliding engagement, then the closure member can move along the magazine body, but the slots form a narrow track that may trap dirt and debris adversely affecting slidability
Solution Approach 1:
The slots are removed from the closure member design. Instead, the closure member engages with the magazine body through a different mechanism that does not require continuous slots, eliminating the narrow track that traps debris.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having slots on the closure member that slide along the magazine body, the design inverts the approach by having the closure member engage with discrete features on the magazine body, reducing continuous exposure to debris.
3Ease of operation
If a separate loading apparatus is used to load ammunition into the magazine, then the loading process is simplified, but the apparatus adds complexity and requires multiple extra parts that are cumbersome to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The loading function is merged into the magazine itself. The closure member can be opened to load ammunition directly into the magazine body, eliminating the need for separate loading apparatuses and reducing the number of parts to carry.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member serves multiple functions: it closes the magazine body, provides a loading opening, and can be detached for complete access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate loading devices.
4Reliability
If the closure member is made robust to resist twisting and bending, then the closure member is less subject to deformation, but the closure member may be more difficult to move and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed with a sliding mechanism that allows smooth movement despite robust construction. The linear slide path and removal of slots reduce friction and resistance, enabling easy operation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is segmented from the magazine body through removable latches, allowing the closure member to be detached and moved independently without strain on its structure, maintaining both robustness and 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
The design facilitates quick, easy, and resistant loading and unloading of ammunition, reducing user effort and minimizing debris intrusion, while eliminating the need for separate loading tools, enhancing portability and reliability in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded follower system that allows for easy loading and unloading without resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for a firearm includes an elongated containing body and a closure member adapted to hold cartridges. The closure member longitudinally slides on the containing body and is extendable to open a side of the containing body for cartridge loading. The closure member has opposing sidewalls forming an integral handle surface that can be grasped for moving it. A follower and spring bias cartridges toward one end of the magazine. A latching mechanism is provided for holding the follower in a disengaged position when the closure member is extended, and is configured to release when the closure member is closed. Preferably, the containing body and closure member are constructed to include integrally formed features that cooperate with an automatic latching mechanism, thus minimizing parts.