Firearm Choke Tube Interrupted Thread and Locking Tab Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shotgun choke tubes require numerous revolutions for installation and extraction, and tend to loosen during use, posing challenges for efficient handling and secure attachment to the firearm barrel.
Innovation Solution
A firearm choke tube design featuring a cylindrical body with an interrupted thread section and a locking tab that engages with a detent on the barrel, allowing for quick and secure attachment by rotating the choke tube approximately ¼ turn to limit both longitudinal and rotational movement, thereby preventing loosening during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous threads are used on the choke tube exterior, then secure installation and prevention of loosening are achieved, but the number of revolutions required for insertion and extraction increases to approximately 20
Solution Approach 1:
The thread section is divided into multiple discrete interrupted thread portions spaced around the circumference, allowing the choke tube to be installed with only about 1/4 turn (2-4 revolutions) compared to continuous threads requiring approximately 20 revolutions, while still providing secure attachment through multiple engagement points
2Productivity
If interrupted threads are used to reduce the number of revolutions, then installation and extraction speed is improved, but the choke tube tends to loosen with use
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges interrupted threads with a locking tab feature that protrudes from the choke tube body and engages with a corresponding detent in the barrel, combining the speed advantage of interrupted threads with the security of a positive locking mechanism to prevent loosening during use
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system combines two different mechanical features (interrupted threads for axial engagement and locking tab with detent for rotational locking) to create a composite fastening solution that achieves both quick installation and secure attachment stability
3Reliability
If more thread engagement is provided to prevent loosening, then reliability of attachment is improved, but the complexity of the thread design and number of revolutions required increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex continuous thread design requiring approximately 20 revolutions, the thread section is segmented into multiple discrete interrupted thread portions that can be engaged with only about 1/4 turn, reducing both the number of revolutions and design complexity while maintaining secure attachment through multiple engagement points
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm choke tube includes a cylindrical body, a choke interrupted thread section, and a locking tab. The choke interrupted thread section is positioned on an outer surface of the cylindrical body and configured to threadably engage an interrupted thread section of a barrel of a firearm to limit longitudinal movement of the cylindrical body relative to the barrel. The locking tab protrudes from the outer surface of the cylindrical body and is configured to interface with a detent formed in the barrel to limit rotational movement of the cylindrical body relative to the barrel.