Dual Technology Brush for Firearm Barrel Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearm cleaning kits are time-consuming and require multiple tools and steps, which is inefficient for military personnel who need to maintain their weapons quickly in the field.

Innovation Solution

A firearm cleaning kit with a flexible cleaning rod and a barrel cleaning device featuring a swab and brush that work in tandem to scrape and absorb residue, reducing the need for multiple tools and steps by allowing a single-direction movement to clean the barrel effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate cleaning tools are used to thoroughly clean the firearm barrel, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but cleaning time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (brushing, scraping, and residue capture) into a single integrated cleaning device. The body portion includes both a brush for scraping residue and a swab for capturing it, eliminating the need to switch between separate tools and reducing cleaning time while maintaining thoroughness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device performs multiple cleaning functions simultaneously - the brush scrapes residue from the barrel while the swab captures and removes it in one pass. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to replace what previously required multiple separate tools, reducing both time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate cleaning tools are used to clean different parts of the barrel, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device complexity and number of steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple cleaning tools into one integrated device. The body portion contains both a brush for scraping residue and a swab for capturing it, providing comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring users to manage multiple separate tools or follow complex multi-step procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional cleaning methods are used, then residue removal is achieved, but residue redeposition occurs and corrosion prevention is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresidue removalVSAvoidresidue redeposition and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The swab acts as an intermediary between the brush and the barrel interior. As the brush scrapes residue from the barrel walls, the swab simultaneously captures and removes the loosened residue, preventing it from redepositing elsewhere in the barrel. This intermediary action ensures thorough residue removal and prevents corrosion by eliminating remaining contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 kit significantly reduces the time and steps required to clean a firearm barrel, ensuring thoroughness and readiness while minimizing residue redeposition and preventing corrosion.

Implementation Method 1

a swab affixed to a first end of the body portion, the swab having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the firearm barrel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the swab is non-abrasive and absorbent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a brush affixed to the body portion proximate to the swab, the brush having a plurality of filaments arranged and sized to a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the firearm barrel and less than the diameter of the swab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

the plurality of filaments scrapes the residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8186092B2Integrated dual technology brush

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 THE OTIS PATENT TRUST

AI summary

A firearm cleaning kit is disclosed that includes a case having first and second compartments joined along a fold line, and a fastener, such as a zipper, joining together the first and second compartments of the case. At least one of the compartments includes a pocket. A flexible cleaning rod having a first end and a second end is removably stored in the pocket. A tool compartment is secured to the fold line. The tool compartment includes a plurality of tool-holding cavities, and a firearm barrel cleaning device is secured within one of the tool-holding cavities. The barrel cleaning device includes a body portion, a swab, and a brush. The swab is fixed to a first end of the body portion, and has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the firearm barrel so as to contact the barrel at all points around its circumference. A brush is also affixed to the body portion proximate to the swab, and has a plurality of filaments arranged and sized to a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the firearm barrel and less than the diameter of the swab. Also disclosed is a method for cleaning residue from an inner diameter of a firearm barrel using the barrel cleaning device.