Firearm Alternator Thermoelectric Generator Muzzle Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for powering electronic devices attached to or part of firearms face issues such as self-discharge in batteries, the need for specialized ammunition in projectile-based generators, limited functionality with manual firearms in mechanically based generators, and inefficient operation with thermal based generators that compromise firearm accuracy and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A portable thermoelectric generator system, the Mark I Firearm Alternator, which uses a heat exchanger and thermoelectric generators to convert the heat from a firearm's gaseous discharge into electrical energy, stored in ultra-capacitors or batteries, providing a reliable and efficient power source independent of firearm type or ammunition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If thermal based generators use the barrel as heat source, then electrical energy can be generated, but the operation efficiency is very low until the barrel heats up and it compromises firearm accuracy and user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat source from the firearm barrel and relocates it to the exhaust gases exiting the muzzle. The thermoelectric generator is positioned in the exhaust path rather than contacting the barrel, allowing energy harvesting without compromising barrel temperature stability and firearm accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces exhaust gases as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal energy from the firearm operation to the thermoelectric generator. The heat exchanger captures thermal energy from the exhaust gas flow, converting it to electrical energy without direct thermal contact between the generator and the firearm barrel.
2Use of energy by moving object
If projectile based generators extract kinetic energy from projectiles, then electrical energy can be generated, but specialized ammunition with magnetic properties is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy harvesting mechanism from the projectile itself and relocates it to the exhaust gas flow. By capturing thermal energy from the exhaust rather than extracting kinetic energy from the projectile, the system works with standard ammunition without requiring specialized magnetic projectiles.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mechanically based generators extract energy from automatic firearm operation, then electrical energy can be generated, but the generators are useless for manually operated firearms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal energy harvesting system that works with all firearm types (manual, semi-automatic, automatic) by capturing thermal energy from exhaust gases, which are produced by any firearm that combusts propellant. The system is not dependent on the specific mechanical operation cycle of the firearm.
4Use of energy by moving object
If thermal based generators operate with hot barrels, then electrical energy can be generated, but the hot barrels affect accuracy and cause discomfort to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thermal energy harvesting component from direct contact with the firearm barrel, placing it instead in the exhaust gas path. This allows the system to harvest thermal energy without causing the barrel to overheat, thereby maintaining accuracy and operator comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust gases serve as an intermediary that carries thermal energy away from the firearm system to the thermoelectric generator. This intermediate heat transfer path allows energy harvesting without transferring harmful heat back to the barrel or operator.
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 Mark I Firearm Alternator provides a reliable, efficient, and consistent power source for electronic devices attached to firearms, without the need for recharging or specialized ammunition, operating effectively across various temperatures and firearm configurations.
Implementation Method 1
uses a heat exchanger and thermoelectric generators to convert the heat from a firearm's gaseous discharge into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
uses a heat exchanger and thermoelectric generators to convert the heat from a firearm's gaseous discharge into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described for extracting and storing electrical energy from the gaseous discharge of a firearm. In one embodiment a muzzle device is provided comprising of at least one thermoelectric generator which generates electric power, to be stored in a battery, using heat transferred from the gaseous discharge of a firearm to the thermoelectric generator by a heat sink.