Firearm Barrel Non-Metal Sleeve Concentricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm barrels do not have a non-metal outer sleeve that can be handled safely after repeated firings, posing a risk due to potential metal fatigue and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A firearm barrel design featuring a non-metal outer sleeve assembly comprising a carbon fiber tube, a coupler bushing, and a sleeve nut, which allows for safe handling by maintaining concentricity and reducing weight while improving shooting accuracy through tensioning of the rifling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal outer sleeve is used on the firearm barrel, then structural strength and durability are improved, but safety concerns arise due to metal fatigue after repeated firings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal barrel with a non-metal outer sleeve made of polymer or composite material. This hybrid structure provides the strength needed for durability while the non-metal sleeve eliminates safety concerns related to metal fatigue, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and safety after repeated firings.
2Reliability
If a non-metal outer sleeve is added to the barrel, then safety and weight reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-metal outer sleeve is designed as a thin-walled structure that provides safety and weight reduction without significantly increasing complexity. The sleeve is formed as a single component that fits over the barrel, minimizing the number of additional parts and assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel assembly is segmented into distinct components: the metal barrel and the separate non-metal outer sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by clearly defining functional zones without requiring complex integrated structures.
3Weight of moving object
If the outer sleeve is made of non-metal material, then weight is reduced and safety is improved, but concentricity maintenance after firing becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The design accounts for parameter changes by selecting non-metal materials with specific thermal expansion characteristics that match the metal barrel. This ensures that temperature-induced dimensional changes during firing do not compromise concentricity, maintaining stability while achieving weight reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm barrel assembly having a barrel tube and an outer non-metal sleeve. The barrel tube and outer non-metal sleeve remain concentric with one another when in use.