Configurable Firearm Barrel Cleaning Device with Modular Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm cleaning devices are often difficult to use and transport, lack versatility, and are inefficient in cleaning a wide range of firearms, particularly military issue weapons like the 40 mm series, requiring time-consuming disassembly and reassembly.
Innovation Solution
A configurable firearm barrel cleaning device comprising cable segments and rods with interchangeable components, including a beveled cylindrical plug, patch, brush wheels, and attachments, allowing for a multi-step cleaning process that can be adapted to various firearm sizes and types, stored in a portable kit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid or flexible cleaning devices are used, then they can remove loose materials from the barrel, but they cannot effectively dislodge and remove stubborn materials without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into modular components including a cable segment, arbor, patch, and brush wheels that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different barrel types and cleaning needs without requiring disassembly of the firearm itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static traditional cleaners to a dynamic multi-step system where components like brush wheels rotate and patches are advanced along the cable. This dynamic action enables progressive cleaning from loose to stubborn materials without disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cleaning devices are used, then they have simple structure, but they lack versatility to clean a wide array of firearms including military issue weapons
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is designed with universal components that can clean various firearm types including military issue weapons. The modular cable system with interchangeable attachments (patches, brush wheels) allows adaptation to different barrel calibers and configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing parameters such as cable length, attachment types, and brush wheel configurations to match different firearm specifications. This parameter adjustment enables versatility across firearm types while maintaining a consistent base device structure.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cleaning devices are used, then they are simple to manufacture, but they are difficult to use and transport
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular components (cable, arbor, patch, brush wheels), the device becomes easier to transport in disassembled form and simpler to manufacture through standardized parts. The modular design allows users to assemble only the needed components for each cleaning task.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with attachments storing on the cable and brush wheels storing on the arbor. This nesting reduces transport volume and makes the device more portable while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
4Reliability
If multi-step cleaning process is implemented, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-step cleaning process is implemented continuously in a single operational sequence. The cable system allows the user to progress through patches and brush wheels in one continuous motion through the barrel, eliminating the need to remove and reinsert different devices for each cleaning step, thus maintaining thoroughness while reducing total time.
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 efficient and effective cleaning of diverse firearm barrels, including military issue firearms, by applying solvent, dislodging materials, and removing them, reducing the need for extensive disassembly and reassembly, thus improving usability and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a first cleaning step of applying solvent or other cleaning assistance substance and removing loose materials from within the barrel
Implementation Method 2
a second cleaning step of applying a brush wheel and dislodging materials from within the barrel
Implementation Method 3
a third cleaning step of removing the dislodged materials
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for cleaning firearm barrels, including those of military issue firearms, wherein the methods include a step for removing loose materials from within the barrel, a step for dislodging materials not removed during the first removal step, and a step for removing the materials dislodged during the dislodging step, as well as one or more optional cleaning steps to be performed in addition to or in lieu of the other cleaning steps, and wherein the firearm barrel cleaning device can be adapted to have different configurations for use during one or more of the various cleaning steps.