Firearm Barrel Rotation Friction Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms do not allow for user-adjustable resistance to barrel rotation, leading to manufacturing defects perceived as either excessive ease or resistance, which can be undesirable for various users.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable device that modifies the friction between the barrel and frame by a movable adjustment member and a rotatable maneuvering element, allowing discrete adjustments to the resistance, enabling customization of barrel rotation resistance by the end user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the barrel rotation resistance is adjusted to be very easy, then users with less arm strength can operate the firearm, but forced users perceive this as a manufacturing defect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the barrel rotation resistance adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment device includes a friction element that can be positioned at different locations along the barrel, changing the resistance characteristic dynamically based on user needs. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt between easy rotation (for users with less strength) and controlled rotation (for forced users who perceive excessive ease as a defect).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of friction resistance by varying the position of the friction element relative to the barrel. By adjusting the distance between the friction element and the barrel rotation axis, the system modifies the torque required for rotation. This parameter change enables customization of rotation resistance to match different user strengths while maintaining perceived manufacturing quality.
2Reliability
If the barrel rotation resistance is increased, then forced users are satisfied, but users with less arm strength perceive this as a defect
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device enables dynamic modification of rotation resistance, allowing forced users to set higher resistance values that satisfy their perception of manufacturing quality, while users with less arm strength can select lower resistance values for easier operation. The system transitions from a static, one-size-fits-all design to a dynamic, user-adaptive system.
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the friction element position along the barrel, the system changes the resistance parameter to match user requirements. Users can select optimal resistance levels, transforming the contradiction into a customizable feature rather than a defect.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed barrel rotation setting is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the firearm cannot accommodate different user strengths
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is segmented into discrete positioning locations along the barrel, allowing the friction element to be set at specific intervals. This segmentation provides multiple resistance options while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing, as the positioning locations can be predefined during manufacturing rather than requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device serves multiple functions: it provides different resistance levels for different user strengths, maintains perceived manufacturing quality, and allows user customization. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the firearm adaptable to various users without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment device is added to modify friction, then user customization is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device uses discrete, segmented positioning locations along the barrel rather than a continuous adjustment mechanism. This segmentation simplifies the device structure while still providing multiple adjustment options, reducing complexity compared to fully continuous adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element acts as an intermediary between the user and the barrel rotation mechanism. This simple intermediary component provides adjustment capability without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining relatively low device complexity while enabling user customization.
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
Enables precise and customizable adjustments to barrel rotation resistance, accommodating different user strengths and preventing perceived defects, ensuring reliable operation and cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
at least a second friction surface (12) configured to be placed in a sliding contact with a first friction surface (6, 6') of the firearm frame (2) to oppose a resistance to the rotation of the barrel (4, 4')
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A firearm (1) comprising a firearm frame (2) which delimits at least one first friction surface (6, 6'); one barrel (4, 4'), mounted to said frame (2) in a rotatable manner (Al) between opening and closing configurations and comprising an abutment appendix (8); and an adjustment device (10). Such a device comprises: 1) a second friction surface (12) placed in a sliding contact with the first friction surface (6, 6') to oppose a resistance to the rotation of the barrel (4, 4') between the configurations; ii) a contact surface (14) with the abutment appendix (8); iii) an adjustment member (16), longitudinally movable (LI, L2) for modifying a relative distance between the second friction surface (12) and the contact surface (14), thereby adjusting the sliding friction between said friction surfaces (6, 6', 12); and iv) a maneuvering element (18) rotatable in discrete adjustment positions, interacting with the adjustment member (16) to move it by a constant pitch at each angularly adjacent adjustment position.