Expandable Firearm Barrel Cleaning Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm cleaning systems are inefficient in effectively cleaning the barrel due to lack of effective cleaning surfaces and secure engagement mechanisms, leading to incomplete cleaning and re-entry issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of disposable and reusable cleaning implements with varying cleaning surfaces made of materials like cotton, wool, and steel wool, and featuring threaded connectors and expanding designs to exert outward pressure and secure engagement within the barrel, allowing for efficient cleaning and prevention of re-entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning patches are used, then the cleaning process is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient due to lack of outward pressure and centering
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement uses an expandable structure that transitions from a compact state for insertion to an expanded state for cleaning. The cleaning surfaces are designed to expand outward upon insertion into the barrel, automatically exerting pressure against the barrel walls without requiring manual manipulation. This dynamic expansion resolves the contradiction by providing effective cleaning pressure while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning implement is divided into multiple cleaning surfaces arranged along the shaft, with each surface capable of independent expansion. This segmentation allows different portions of the barrel to be cleaned simultaneously with multiple cleaning surfaces, improving overall cleaning effectiveness while distributing the structural complexity across modular components.
2Reliability
If cleaning implements without secure engagement are used, then the device is simple, but re-entry issues occur due to lack of prevention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement features a self-locking expansion mechanism where the cleaning surfaces, upon expanding to contact the barrel walls, automatically prevent re-entry of the implement. The expansion itself creates the engagement that secures the implement in place, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms while providing reliable re-entry prevention.
3Reliability
If cleaning implements without centering capability are used, then the structure is simpler, but incomplete cleaning occurs due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning implement employs a dynamic centering mechanism where the cleaning surfaces expand radially outward upon insertion, automatically aligning themselves with the barrel's central axis. This self-centering expansion ensures uniform contact with the barrel walls throughout the cleaning stroke, achieving complete cleaning without requiring complex pre-aligned centering structures.
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 cleaning implements provide effective cleaning by exerting outward pressure and maintaining centering within the barrel, reducing cleaning time and preventing re-entry, thus enhancing the efficiency and completeness of firearm barrel cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
expanding designs to exert outward pressure and secure engagement within the barrel
Implementation Method 2
cleaning surfaces made of materials like cotton, wool, and steel wool
Implementation Method 3
cleaning surfaces made of materials like cotton, wool, and steel wool
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for cleaning implements for firearms. In one embodiment, a single-use cleaning implement may include a hollow member; and a cleaning surface disposed along a length of the hollow member. The cleaning surface may be disposed about a circumference of the hollow member. A flexible shaft may be configured to extend through the hollow member. The flexible shaft may comprise a retainer component disposed at a distal end, the retainer component configured to abut a distal end of the cleaning implement and to impede the cleaning implement from passing over the retainer component. The flexible shaft may be used to pull the hollow cleaning implement through the barrel of the firearm while the retainer component abuts the distal end of the cleaning implement and the first cleaning surface engages with an inner surface of the barrel to clean the barrel.