Firearm Bore Cleaning Projectile with Frangible Capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm bore cleaning methods are inefficient and time-consuming, often requiring disassembly and using compacted wadding that fails to effectively clean the bore due to its smaller diameter compared to the firearm, and pre-moistened materials with reduced shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A bore cleaning projectile with a frangible capsule and collapsible frame that expands when propelled, utilizing a propellant to crush the capsule and radially expand scrubbing materials for intimate contact with the bore, allowing effective cleaning without disassembly and using shelf-stable cleaning agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compacted wadding is used to fit within the shell, then the device can be loaded and fired, but the wadding diameter is smaller than the bore resulting in ineffective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The wadding is designed to be dynamically expandable upon firing. The propellant force causes the wadding to radially expand from a compacted state to a larger diameter state, enabling it to contact and clean the bore walls effectively while maintaining compatibility with the shell dimensions for loading.
2Manufacturing precision
If cleaning materials are pre-moistened with cleaner, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but shelf life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into separate functional components: dry scrubbing materials for mechanical cleaning and a separate frangible capsule containing the liquid cleaner. This segmentation allows the scrubbing materials to remain dry and shelf-stable while the cleaner is contained and protected until activation, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and shelf life.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible capsule is pre-filled and sealed with the cleaner in advance, maintaining it in a protected, stable state. The capsule is designed to break upon firing, at which point the cleaner is released onto the scrubbing materials. This preliminary preparation allows the cleaning agent to be ready for action without compromising the shelf life of either component before use.
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 quick, effective cleaning of firearm bores by utilizing the expanding force to radially expand scrubbing materials, ensuring thorough removal of contaminants and preventing corrosion, while maintaining the shelf life of cleaning agents.
Implementation Method 1
a propellant providing a force to push the projectile down the bore of the firearm
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the expanding force to radially expand scrubbing materials
Implementation Method 3
a collapsing feature configured to crush the frangible capsule when the force is applied to the frame
Implementation Method 4
a frangible vessel containing a liquid cleaning solution, for example, a wet or dry abrasive cleaning agent
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a bore cleaning projectile can be configured to clean a bore of a firearm as the projectile is propelled down the bore. The projectile includes a frangible capsule, a frame, a propellant providing a force to push the projectile down the bore of the firearm, and a collapsing feature configured to crush the frangible capsule when the force is applied to the frame.