Arcuate Surface Gas Venting in Firearm Upper Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
In traditional AR-15 firearms, pressurized barrel gases are vented rearward through openings in the upper receiver, potentially directing gases towards the operator's face, which can be distracting and is exacerbated by the use of sound suppressors that increase back pressure and gas volume.
Innovation Solution
The upper receiver design incorporates an arcuate surface in the charging handle slot and additional escape ports to divert gases laterally or forwardly, reducing rearward gas flow and incorporating an enlarged gas accumulation chamber and increased venting surface area to lower gas pressure and facilitate gas discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gases are vented through traditional rearward openings in the upper receiver, then gas discharge function is achieved, but gases are directed towards the operator's face causing distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional gas venting direction by using an arcuate surface to redirect gases from rearward discharge to lateral or forward discharge through escape ports, preventing gases from reaching the operator's face while maintaining effective gas discharge function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional change to gas flow by introducing lateral and forward escape ports in addition to the traditional rearward venting path, creating multiple discharge dimensions that redirect gases away from the operator
2Temperature
If sound suppressors are used to reduce noise, then noise reduction is achieved, but back pressure and gas volume increase directing more gases toward operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas discharge function into multiple separate escape ports (lateral escape port and forward escape port) distributed across different locations, allowing gases to be discharged through multiple pathways rather than concentrated rearward, reducing the harmful effect on the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redirects excess gas volume and pressure from the suppressor by creating lateral and forward discharge dimensions through escape ports, dispersing the gas flow in multiple spatial directions rather than concentrating it rearward toward the operator
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional milling and broaching operations are used to form chamber and slot, then manufacturing process is established, but gas accumulation space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates gas accumulation chambers and arcuate surfaces during the initial manufacturing process, pre-establishing the gas management infrastructure before the upper receiver is assembled, allowing proper gas flow management from the start
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 effectively vents gases away from the operator's face, potentially reducing operator distraction and weight of the upper receiver while improving gas discharge efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate surface formed in a wall of the chamber; and wherein the arcuate surface changes direction of gases that are directed rearward in the chamber such that the gases are vented from the upper receiver in a non-rearward direction
Data Source
AI summary
An upper receiver for a firearm. The firearm includes a barrel extending forward of the upper receiver and a buttstock extending rearward of the upper receiver. The upper receiver includes an arcuate surface formed in a wall of the chamber. The arcuate surface changes direction of gases that are directed rearward in the chamber such that the gases are vented from the upper receiver in a non-rearward direction.