Universal Firearm Magazine Sidewall Spring for Caliber Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm magazines with straight-bent-straight designs face challenges in accommodating ammunition cartridges of different calibers due to varying rim diameters, leading to unstable stacking and potential jamming issues, especially when smaller rim diameter cartridges are used in magazines designed for larger diameters.
Innovation Solution
A universal magazine with a deformable sidewall spring and reinforcement grooves that adjust to accommodate cartridges of various calibers, providing side support and guidance to ensure stable stacking and reliable feeding, regardless of caliber, by using a thin sheet metal sidewall spring that deforms to fit different rim diameters and includes protrusions for sealing and guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a straight-bent-straight magazine design is used, then the magazine can be easily dropped by its own weight when empty, but it cannot accommodate ammunition cartridges of different calibers due to varying rim diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine incorporates a deformable sidewall spring that can dynamically adjust its shape to accommodate different rim diameters of various caliber cartridges. The spring transitions from a bent configuration (when empty) that allows easy removal to a deformed configuration (when loaded) that provides proper support for different cartridge sizes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and caliber compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine design changes the physical state of the sidewall spring from a fixed bent shape to a deformable structure that can alter its geometric parameters. The spring's curvature and contact points with cartridges can be modified based on the loaded caliber, enabling the same magazine to adapt to different rim diameters while maintaining the straight-bent-straight overall structure for easy removal.
2Reliability
If a banana-shaped magazine is used to accommodate large tapering angle cartridges, then full support is provided for each cartridge, but the magazine cannot be easily dropped by its own weight when empty
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a permanently curved banana shape, the magazine uses a deformable sidewall spring that temporarily deforms to provide support. When empty, the spring returns to its original bent configuration that allows easy removal. When loaded, the spring deforms to match the cartridge tapering angle, providing full support similar to banana-shaped magazines but without the permanent shape constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support function from the permanent magazine structure and transfers it to a separate deformable sidewall spring component. This allows the main magazine body to maintain a simple straight-bent-straight shape for easy removal, while the removable spring provides the necessary adaptive support for different cartridge configurations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a magazine with fixed interior dimensions is used, then manufacturing is simple, but ammunition cartridges with smaller rim diameters cannot be securely supported
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine employs a thin sheet metal sidewall spring that acts as a flexible element within the fixed magazine structure. This thin flexible component can deform to accommodate different rim diameters while the overall magazine maintains its simple manufactured shape. The flexible spring provides adaptive support without requiring complex customization of the entire magazine for each caliber.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable sidewall spring changes its geometric parameters (curvature, contact depth, support angle) based on the inserted cartridge caliber. This parameter adaptation occurs locally within the spring rather than requiring changes to the entire magazine structure, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable support for various rim diameters.
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 universal magazine ensures stable stacking and reliable feeding of ammunition cartridges of different calibers, reducing the risk of jamming and improving operational efficiency by providing adaptable side support and guidance, allowing for seamless integration with firearms like the AR15.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable magazine sidewall spring that provides side support to one or more ammunition cartridges when the one or more ammunition cartridges are held in the magazine shell and in contact with the deformable magazine sidewall spring by deforming and exerting a third force on the one or more ammunition cartridges in directions generally perpendicular to the sidewalls of the magazine shell
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine for a firearm comprises a magazine shell and a main magazine spring. The magazine shell includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and sidewalls between the first end and the second end. The first end includes an opening and is configured to attach to the firearm. The second end includes a bottom plate. The main magazine spring includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end of the main magazine spring is coupled to the bottom plate of the second end of the magazine shell.