Firearm Barrel Vent Channel for Overpressure Gas Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bullpup and short-configuration rifles face issues with excessive rearward pressure during overpressure firing due to barrel obstructions, which can direct damaging gases and components towards the operator.
Innovation Solution
A barrel assembly with a barrel vent channel and a receiver assembly that directs overpressurized gases transversely away from the central axis, utilizing a barrel extension and receiver vent channels to guide gases along alternate paths, reducing the flow of gases towards the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the barrel is shortened in bullpup configuration, then the overall length of the rifle is reduced, but the operator is exposed to excessive rearward pressure and damaging gases during overpressure firing
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a chamber portion for containing the cartridge, a bore for projectile travel, and a barrel extension with vent channels for pressure relief. This segmentation allows the short barrel to include dedicated pressure management components that divert harmful gases away from the operator while maintaining compact overall length
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension acts as an intermediary structure between the chamber and the external environment. It incorporates vent channels that serve as intermediate pathways to redirect overpressurized gases transverse to the central axis, preventing direct exposure of the operator to harmful gases while maintaining the short barrel configuration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the barrel extension with vent channels is added, then operator safety is improved by directing gases away, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension is merged with the barrel as a single integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The vent channels are formed directly within the barrel extension structure, combining the functions of structural support and pressure relief in one piece, thereby reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly while still providing effective gas diversion
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension serves multiple functions simultaneously: it extends the barrel structure to provide structural support, contains the vent channels for pressure relief, and directs gases away from the operator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving safety goals
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 solution effectively contains and directs overpressurized gases away from the operator, reducing the risk of injury and damage to the rifle, thereby enhancing safety and reliability during obstructed firing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Firing cartridges from firearms involves high pressure gases being generated in the action, which are used to drive a projectile from the action through and out of the muzzle of the barrel. If the barrel becomes obstructed and a round is discharged in the chamber, the pressure rearward of the barrel may become excessive
Data Source
AI summary
Firearms and barrel assemblies are provided herein that include a barrel assembly having a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end comprising a muzzle. The barrel also includes a chamber defined in the proximal end. The chamber includes a distal end and a proximal end. A bore extends distally from the distal end of the chamber. The bore defines a central axis of the barrel assembly. The barrel assembly also includes a barrel extension extending from the proximal end of the barrel. The barrel extension has a distal end and a proximal end. The barrel extension defines a bolt receiving recess in communication with the chamber. The barrel extension further has a barrel vent channel defined therein in communication with the bolt receiving recess. The barrel vent channel is defined in the barrel extension in a direction that is transverse to the central axis of the barrel assembly.