Converging-Diverging Muzzle for Blast Overpressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm discharge generates hazardous blast overpressure that causes hearing loss, tinnitus, and other injuries due to the concussive force and shockwave, which existing ear protection and suppressors fail to mitigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A muzzle system with a converging section and a diverging section, featuring a parabolic arrangement, that directs the bullet and discharge gases through a throat section to reduce blast overpressure by expanding the gases isentropically, thereby decreasing the pressure exiting the muzzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a standard muzzle brake or suppressor is used with supersonic rounds, then some noise reduction is achieved, but blast overpressure and shockwaves continue to cause hearing loss and hearing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The muzzle is divided into multiple functional sections: a converging section that directs gases upward, a throat section, and a diverging section that expands gases outward. This segmentation allows different portions of the muzzle to handle different aspects of gas management, reducing both noise and blast overpressure through coordinated action of each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The muzzle design redirects discharge gases from a linear forward path into a three-dimensional expansion pattern. The converging section directs gases upward (vertical dimension), and the diverging section expands them outward (radial dimension), dispersing the blast overpressure and noise in multiple directions rather than concentrating it forward.
2Power
If high powered rifles firing supersonic rounds are used, then shooting power and range are improved, but shockwaves and blast overpressure cause hearing loss and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The design accepts the high-energy discharge gases produced by powerful supersonic rounds as an inevitable byproduct, but converts their harmful shockwave and noise effects into a controlled expansion process. The converging-diverging geometry harnesses the gas energy to create a controlled outward expansion that reduces peak pressure and directs energy away from the shooter in a safer manner.
3Length of moving object
If barrel length is shortened to create SBR (Short Barreled Rifle), then weapon maneuverability is improved, but blast overpressure and shockwave effects are amplified and moved closer to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The converging-diverging muzzle geometry changes the pressure and flow parameters of discharge gases. The converging section increases gas velocity and pressure, while the diverging section expands and reduces pressure, creating a controlled pressure gradient that mitigates the amplified blast overpressure effects inherent in shortened barrels.
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 solution significantly reduces blast overpressure, minimizing damage to the shooter and others, while also reducing the visual and thermal signatures of the firearm, and providing some sound suppression without the need for a traditional suppressor.
Implementation Method 1
passing a discharge gas through the converging section, throat section and diverging section wherein the converging to diverging arrangement reduces a blast overpressure exiting an exit end of the diverging section
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm overpressure reduction system is disclosed having a muzzle that further includes a converging section, a throat section and a diverging section. The converging section is in direct communication with the throat section that is in direct communication with the converging section. The converging section has a converging parabolic arrangement and the diverging section has a diverging parabolic arrangement that leads to an exit area for a bullet fired. Another system and methods are also disclosed.