Firearm Cleaning Shell Radial Expansion Bore Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bore cleaning devices for firearms are inefficient in cleaning the entire bore due to compacted wadding that fails to effectively wipe the inner surfaces, and they often have a short shelf life due to pre-moistened or lubricated materials.
Innovation Solution
A bore cleaning device featuring a fibrous cup filled with a dense, viscous or granular material that deforms radially upon propelling, providing intimate contact with the bore surfaces, and a frame with bending legs that expand to ensure thorough cleaning, potentially using additional scrubbing materials for enhanced effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compacted wadding is used to fit within the shell, then the device can be fired from the firearm, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced because portions of the bore are not wiped
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device transitions from a compact state during loading to an expanded state during firing. The propellant charge expands the cleaning material radially outward to contact the bore walls, while the frame legs bend outward to press the cleaning material against the bore surface, ensuring complete coverage without requiring the material to be pre-expanded to full size.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning material is nested within a frame structure that provides both containment during loading and expansion mechanism during firing. The frame legs act as intermediate structures that bend outward to push the cleaning material against the bore, allowing the cleaning material to be compact during storage but effective during operation.
2Reliability
If pre-moistened or lubricated materials are used to enhance cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the shelf life of the product is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning material is prepared in advance with cleaning agents and lubricants applied during manufacturing, but these materials are sealed within the frame structure until firing. The propellant charge activates the cleaning action at the moment of use, preventing premature degradation while ensuring the cleaning surfaces are ready to contact the bore immediately upon expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a single-use consumable item. The frame and cleaning material are configured to be disposed of after one firing cycle, eliminating the need for long-term storage stability while allowing aggressive cleaning chemicals to be used without concern for shelf-life degradation.
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 device effectively cleans the bore by ensuring intimate contact between the fibrous cup and the bore surfaces, loosening contaminants and providing a thorough cleaning without the limitations of compacted wadding or short shelf life issues.
Implementation Method 1
a propellant providing a force to push the projectile down the bore of the firearm
Implementation Method 2
the dense material is configured to deform and press radially outwardly against the cup as the propellant provides propelling force to the dense material
Implementation Method 3
a frame with bending legs that expand to ensure thorough cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A bore cleaning device is configured to clean a bore of a firearm. The device includes a propellant providing a force to push the projectile down the bore of the firearm, a cup comprising at least one hole in a bottom surface of the cup, a dense material within the cup, wherein the dense material is configured to deform and press radially outwardly against the cup as the propellant provides propelling force to the dense material. The device further includes a bore rearward charge cap and a frame. The frame includes a bore forward plate located within the cup, a frame leg connecting the bore rearward charge cap and the bore forward plate and passing through the hole in the bottom surface of the cup.