Abrasive Polymer Bolt Tail Cleaner for Rapid Field Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm bolt tail cleaning devices require separate processes for debris removal and polishing, are large and cumbersome, making them difficult to carry and use efficiently for rapid cleaning, especially in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable bolt tail cleaning device with injection-molded cleaning arms containing 15-40% abrasive material by weight, such as glass fiber, that slidably and rotatably interfaces with the bolt tail, allowing for simultaneous debris removal and polishing via a single process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing cleaning devices are used to remove debris and polish the bolt tail, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but the devices are large and cumbersome making them difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines debris removal and polishing functions into a single integrated cleaning device. The cleaning arms are configured to perform both scraping of debris and polishing of the bolt tail surface in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall device volume for carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed with multi-functional cleaning arms that can both remove debris and polish the bolt tail surface. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple cleaning tasks that previously required separate tools, improving portability while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If separate cleaning and polishing processes are used, then thorough cleaning is achieved, but the process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the debris removal and polishing processes into a single operational sequence. The cleaning arms are designed to first scrape away debris and then polish the surface in one continuous motion, reducing the number of separate processes from two to one, thereby increasing cleaning speed and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device maintains continuous useful action by performing both debris removal and polishing in an uninterrupted sequence. The cleaning arms continuously contact the bolt tail surface to first remove debris and then polish, eliminating idle time between separate processes and improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If traditional scraping and polishing methods are used, then complete debris removal is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming for rapid field cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines scraping and polishing actions into a single continuous operation performed by the cleaning arms. This integrated approach ensures complete debris removal and surface polishing in one process, achieving reliable cleaning completeness while significantly reducing the time required compared to separate traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device maintains continuous useful action throughout the cleaning process, performing both debris removal and polishing without interruption. This continuous operation ensures thorough cleaning while minimizing the total time required, making it suitable for rapid field cleaning scenarios.
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
Enables rapid and complete cleaning of firearm bolt tails in a single process, reducing size and weight, facilitating easier portability and improved maintenance efficiency for gas-operated firearms like the AR-15 and M-16.
Implementation Method 1
injection-molded cleaning arms containing 15-40% abrasive material by weight, such as glass fiber, that slidably and rotatably interfaces with the bolt tail, allowing for simultaneous debris removal and polishing
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm bolt tail cleaning device has a device body and a plurality of cleaning arms arranged radially about a centerline and defining a cleaning slot configured to accept a bolt tail. The cleaning device slidably and rotatably interfaces with the bolt tail at inner wall portions of the plurality of cleaning arms, to remove debris from and to polish the bolt tail surface. The device is constructed of a polymer and 15 to 40 percent by weight of an abrasive material, such as glass fiber. Via interaction with the bolt tail, at least a portion of the plurality of cleaning arms become worn with use and expose more abrasive material which facilitates removing debris from and polishing the bolt tail surface. End portions of the body are open and each have a concavity.