Firearm Barrel Cleaning Head Breech-End Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm barrel cleaning methods can lead to decreased accuracy due to deformation of the muzzle end, particularly when cleaning implements are repeatedly inserted and removed, causing uneven wear and affecting the escape of high-pressure gas.
Innovation Solution
A firearm barrel cleaning apparatus with a cleaning head and shank design that minimizes retraction by using radial and longitudinal engagement surfaces to maintain frictional contact and prevent disengagement from the cleaning rod, ensuring the cleaning implement is pushed through unidirectionally and not retracted back across the muzzle end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning implement is repeatedly inserted and removed from the muzzle end of the barrel, then the barrel can be cleaned, but the crown at the muzzle end becomes deformed and worn unevenly, decreasing firearm accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional cleaning approach by cleaning from the breech end instead of the muzzle end. The cleaning implement is inserted through the breech end, pushed to the muzzle end, and then pulled back through the breech end. This inversion prevents contact with and deformation of the crown at the muzzle end, thereby maintaining firearm accuracy while still achieving effective barrel cleaning.
2Loss of time
If the cleaning implement is completely withdrawn from the muzzle end before reinsertion, then the operator can reposition the implement, but this increases the risk of crown deformation and extends cleaning time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the cleaning implement within the barrel throughout the cleaning process. The implement is pushed from the breech end to the muzzle end and then pulled back through the breech end without complete withdrawal. This continuous action eliminates repeated insertion and removal operations, reducing cleaning time while preserving crown integrity.
3Reliability
If the cleaning implement is oscillated to and fro through the barrel to scrub particulates, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the crown becomes subjected to uneven forces and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by changing the direction of the cleaning action. Instead of oscillating the implement through the muzzle end where the crown is located, the cleaning action is performed by pushing the implement from the breech end to the muzzle end and pulling it back through the breech end. This maintains cleaning effectiveness while avoiding uneven forces on the crown, preserving its uniformity and precision.
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
This method reduces the risk of muzzle end deformation, maintaining barrel accuracy by preventing the cleaning head from being pulled back across the crown, thus ensuring consistent and safe firearm performance.
Implementation Method 1
The shank body provides at least one radial engagement surface extending from the control end towards the cleaning end, and at least one longitudinal engagement surface disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the shank axis, to maintain frictional contact and prevent disengagement from the cleaning rod
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems and methods for improved cleaning of a firearm barrel are provided. Generally, a system according to the present invention includes a cleaning head having a cleaning implement coupled to a shank, which provides at least one radial engagement surface and at least one longitudinal engagement surface. The system may further include a cleaning rod adapted to engage the cleaning head in an at least partially overlapping or surrounding engagement. A method according to the present invention includes the steps of inserting a cleaning head into the breech end of a firearm barrel, engaging the head with a cleaning rod, pushing the head through the barrel and retracting the cleaning rod from the barrel, wherein during the retracting step, the head is disengaged from the rod.