Firearm Component Interaction Testing via Force-Travel Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack a system to test the interaction of multiple firearm components during operation without a live round, making it difficult to detect defects, manufacturing tolerance problems, misalignments, and issues that arise due to wear, deformation, corrosion, or abuse before the firearm is used.

Innovation Solution

A force testing apparatus coupled to the firearm or its components, which measures the relationship between force and travel distance as the firearm is cycled through actions, allowing for the identification of defects and misalignments by comparing measured data to baseline values, and can include additional sensors for supplementary data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional testing methods are used to test individual components, then component defects can be detected, but the interaction of multiple firearm components during operation cannot be tested

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of component defectsVSAvoidtesting of component interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the firearm into multiple attachable components (barrel, slide, magazine, etc.) that can be individually tested and then recombined to test interactions. Each component can be attached or detached from the testing apparatus to isolate specific component interactions while maintaining the ability to test the complete assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The testing apparatus is designed with universal attachment mechanisms that can accommodate various firearm components and configurations. The system can test different combinations of components (with/without springs, with/without dummy rounds) using the same basic apparatus, making it versatile for testing multiple interaction scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If live rounds are used for testing, then firing performance can be assessed, but safety risks and inability to detect misalignments before use increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring performance assessmentVSAvoidsafety risks and undetected misalignments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dummy rounds as intermediaries that simulate the mechanical action of live rounds without the harmful effects. The dummy rounds engage the firearm's feeding and ejection mechanisms, allowing assessment of component interactions and detection of misalignments without the safety risks associated with live ammunition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system performs preliminary mechanical cycling of the firearm components using the motorized apparatus before actual use. This preliminary action detects misalignments, binding, and interaction problems in advance, preventing unsafe conditions from reaching the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If manual testing methods are used, then simple measurements can be taken, but comprehensive force and travel distance data cannot be collected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of testing procedureVSAvoidforce and travel distance data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical testing with an automated motorized testing apparatus. The motor drives the cycling action while sensors automatically collect precise force and travel distance data, eliminating the need for manual operation while providing comprehensive quantitative measurements of component interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on force and travel distance measurements during the cycling process. This feedback mechanism enables automatic data collection and analysis, allowing comprehensive measurement of the complex interactions between multiple firearm components throughout the entire cycling sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 the detection of defects and misalignments during or after manufacture, improving firearm design, manufacturing tolerances, and quality control, while also monitoring for issues that develop over time, thereby enhancing the readiness and reliability of firearms.

Implementation Method 1

the motorized testing apparatus is operable for measuring force versus travel distance data when the first firearm component is moved with respect to the second firearm component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentUS10704855B2System and method for testing firearm operating characteristics

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 THE UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL

AI summary

A system and method for testing firearm operating characteristics are provided using a force testing apparatus coupled to all or a portion of the firearm. Of significance, the system and method are configured to test the interaction(s) of multiple firearm components during operation without a live round such that firearm component defects, manufacturing tolerance problems, misalignments, and the like can be discovered during or subsequent to manufacture and prior to use.