Firearm Cleaning Implement with Resilient Panels for Restricted Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cleaning methods struggle to effectively clean the barrel extensions, locking lug recesses, and other internal passages of firearms due to inwardly protruding parts that restrict the entry and maintenance of pressure from traditional cleaning devices.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning implement with radially extending resilient panels secured to a rigid support, allowing for secure attachment to a cleaning rod and maintaining a cleaning patch in contact with the surface, enabling the implement to deform and exert pressure over a large area, thus accommodating inwardly protruding features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cleaning device is used to clean the barrel extension or locking lug recess, then the device structure is simple, but the inwardly protruding bolt-retention lugs or walls restrict the entry and prevent maintenance of pressure against the interior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device employs resilient panels that can dynamically deform under compression to navigate through restricted openings with inwardly protruding bolt-retention lugs or walls, then rebound to maintain continuous pressure against the interior surface for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient panels function as flexible elements that can compress and deform to pass through tight spaces, then return to their original shape to maintain contact pressure with the cleaning patch against the barrel extension or locking lug recess surface
2Ease of operation
If a star-shaped cleaner is used to pass through gaps between bolt-retention teeth, then the cleaner can enter the restricted opening, but it cannot reliably maintain pressure between the patch and the interior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient panels provide dynamic pressure maintenance by compressing during insertion and rebounding to exert continuous force against the cleaning patch, ensuring reliable contact with the interior surface throughout the cleaning stroke
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient panels change their physical state from uncompressed to compressed and back, utilizing elastic deformation to maintain consistent cleaning pressure despite variations in insertion depth and positioning
3Area of stationary object
If a cleaning implement with multiple axially spaced resilient panels is used, then contact between the patch and surface can be maintained over a relatively large area, but the implement must be resilient enough to pass beyond inwardly protruding features
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into multiple axially spaced resilient panels, each capable of independent deformation and pressure application, allowing the cleaning patch to contact multiple surfaces simultaneously while navigating complex geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient panels extend radially outward from the central axis, creating a three-dimensional cleaning surface that can contact the interior wall at multiple points simultaneously, increasing the effective cleaning area while maintaining flexibility
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 cleaning implement effectively maintains contact with the firearm's internal surfaces, allowing for thorough cleaning of restricted areas while accommodating irregular features, ensuring efficient removal of residues and debris.
Implementation Method 1
The sizes of the panels can be such that portions of their outer edges are resiliently deformed when the implement is in the passage to be cleaned. The deformation of those portions of the outer edges of the panels causes a compressive force to be exerted on the patch, maintaining it in close contact with the wall of the passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning implement for a firearm comprises a rigid, axially extending, support adapted for connection to the end of a cleaning rod or other manipulating implement. Axially spaced, resilient panels are integrally molded onto a hub through which the support extends. A barb at an end of the support is provided to secure a cleaning patch that is wrapped around the outer edges of the panels and maintained in contact with an interior surface of the firearm during cleaning by the resilience of the panels.