Blank Firing Bullet Trap with Sliding Hardened Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blank firing attachments (BFAs) and bullet trap BFAs (BTBFAs) are inadequate in safely containing live ammunition, often failing after a few rounds and posing a significant hazard to users and others due to the risk of unimpeded live rounds being fired.
Innovation Solution
A bullet trap blank firing attachment (BTBFA) with a hardened element portion made of a harder metal, such as armour grade steel or a nickel-based superalloy, frictionally fitted within a barrel portion made of a softer metal like aluminium or malleable steel, allowing controlled movement and absorption of multiple live rounds before disengagement, accompanied by visual and audible indicators of live ammunition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional blank firing attachment is used, then the firearm can function with blank ammunition, but it fails after contact with live ammunition and cannot prevent subsequent live rounds from being fired unimpeded
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is divided into separate functional components: a barrel portion with vent holes and a distinct bullet trap portion. This segmentation allows the bullet trap to be specifically designed for containing live rounds while the barrel portion maintains gas sealing functionality, enabling the system to handle multiple live rounds (90 or more) before requiring replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment utilizes composite construction combining different materials optimized for specific functions: the barrel portion uses materials suitable for gas containment and sealing, while the bullet trap portion uses materials designed for absorbing and containing live ammunition impacts. This composite approach enhances overall reliability and duration of action.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bullet trap blank firing attachment is used, then it can stop a small amount of live ammunition (1-3 rounds), but it still allows subsequent live rounds to be fired without adequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is pre-configured with a bullet trap portion specifically designed to capture and contain live ammunition rounds before they can exit the firearm. The vent holes are pre-positioned to allow gas escape while the trap geometry is predetermined to deflect and contain projectiles, providing immediate protection upon contact with live rounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The bullet trap portion acts as a pre-positioned cushioning barrier designed to absorb and dissipate the energy of live ammunition impacts. The trap's structural design includes features that accommodate and contain multiple rounds, providing beforehand protection against the harmful effects of live fire during training exercises.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment allows gas to escape through vent holes, then the firearm can cycle with blank ammunition, but live ammunition may be inadvertently fired through the same path
Solution Approach 1:
The bullet trap portion serves as an intermediary element positioned between the chamber and the external environment. It mediates the path of both gas and projectiles: allowing gas to escape through vent holes for proper cycling while intercepting and containing live ammunition rounds before they can exit, thus protecting against harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the attachment have specialized local qualities: the barrel portion includes vent holes optimized for gas flow and sealing, while the bullet trap portion has a distinct geometry and material composition optimized for intercepting and containing projectiles. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function effectively.
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 BTBFA effectively contains up to 90 live rounds, providing enhanced safety by preventing live ammunition ejection and alerting users through visible smoke and sound, significantly surpassing current solutions in handling capacity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a hardened element portion made of a second metal, the hardened element portion sized to frictionally fit within the pipe portion; wherein the first metal is softer than the second metal, such that when live ammunition contacts the hardened element portion, the hardened element portion slides within the barrel portion
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed at a blank fire bullet trap attachment (BFBTA) that provides improved protection for firearm users when live ammunition is accidently loaded into the firearm. The BFBTA includes a barrel portion made of a first metal; and a hardened element portion made of a second metal, the hardened element portion sized to frictionally fit within the pipe portion; wherein the first metal is softer than the second metal, such that when live ammunition contacts the hardened element portion, the hardened element portion slides within the barrel portion.