Firearm Barrel Feed Ramps Asymmetrical Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm barrels and barrel assemblies often experience misfires and jams due to geometries that are not tolerant enough for consistent feeding, and overly accommodating geometries lead to reliability issues and weakness around the chamber.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of barrel feed ramps at the chamber end of the barrel, which are asymmetrical and extend further into the chamber, providing a more gradual transition and additional support for the cartridge, while the remaining transition regions offer sharper edges for enhanced support, guiding the cartridge smoothly into the chamber during operational cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the barrel geometry is made more tolerant and accommodating for feeding, then feeding consistency improves, but the structural strength around the chamber weakens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different geometric characteristics to different locations around the chamber. The feed ramp area has a more gradual, tolerant geometry to facilitate consistent cartridge feeding, while the remaining chamber area maintains sharper, more rigid geometry to preserve structural strength. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize its function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If the transition from chamber end surface to inner surface is made sharper, then structural strength improves, but cartridge feeding becomes less smooth
Solution Approach 1:
The transition geometry is differentiated by location: at the feed ramp location, the transition is more gradual to guide cartridges smoothly, while at other circumferential positions, the transition is sharper to maintain structural integrity. This selective application of geometric characteristics resolves the contradiction between strength and feeding smoothness.
3Ease of operation
If the feed ramp extends further into the chamber, then feeding guidance improves, but the available chamber space for cartridge support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feed ramp occupies additional chamber volume specifically at the feeding guidance location, where it is needed for directing cartridges. The remaining chamber volume maintains its full capacity for supporting the cartridge during firing. This localized use of space allows the feed ramp to extend further without compromising overall chamber functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are barrels, barrel assemblies, firearms, and associated components, assemblies, and methods. A barrel of a firearm may include an inner surface defining a bore configured to guide a projectile as the projectile is propelled through the bore by pressurized gas. The barrel may define a muzzle end, a chamber end opposite the muzzle end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the muzzle end and the chamber end. The inner surface may define a chamber at the chamber end of the barrel. The chamber may receive a cartridge and to support at least a portion of a casing of the cartridge during firing. The barrel may further define one or more barrel feed ramps at the chamber end configured to guide at least a portion of the cartridge into the chamber during an operational cycle of the firearm. The barrel may engage with a barrel extension as a barrel assembly.