Firearm Velocity Enhancement via Pressurized Gas Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms technologies struggle to achieve optimal projectile velocity and accuracy due to the limited duration of the repressurization force within the chamber, which diminishes as the projectile travels through the barrel.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled supplementary propulsion system is integrated into the firearm, featuring supply ports, control valves, and sensors that detect the projectile's location to precisely time the release of pressurized gas into the chamber, extending the repressurization force beyond the initial discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single discharge of powder is used to propel the projectile, then the firearm structure remains simple, but the projectile velocity diminishes quickly as it travels through the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces periodic action by using a rechargeable gas reservoir that periodically replenishes pressurized gas into the chamber during the projectile's travel through the barrel. The control valve opens at predetermined intervals to release additional gas charges, creating periodic repressurization events that maintain propulsive force over an extended duration beyond the initial powder discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs preliminary action by pre-charging a gas reservoir with pressurized gas before firing. The control system is pre-programmed with timing parameters that determine when additional gas charges should be released based on projectile position, allowing the supplementary propulsion to be precisely timed to extend the effective repressurization duration.
2Speed
If the repressurization force is extended beyond initial discharge, then projectile velocity is maintained longer, but the device complexity increases with sensors and control valves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect the projectile's position within the barrel and feeding this information to the control system. The control valve operation is determined by this feedback, which triggers additional gas charges at optimal moments to maintain velocity while avoiding excessive complexity through intelligent, condition-based actuation rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by using the projectile's own motion and position detection to automatically trigger the supplementary gas charges. The control system autonomously determines when repressurization is needed based on sensor input, eliminating the need for external manual intervention or overly complex external control mechanisms.
3Speed
If supplemental pressurized gas is released into the chamber, then projectile velocity is enhanced, but the risk of chamber pressure damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gas release process adaptive and variable rather than fixed. The control valve adjusts the timing and duration of additional gas charges based on real-time projectile position feedback, allowing the system to dynamically optimize velocity enhancement while maintaining chamber pressure within safe limits through precise, condition-dependent actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by varying the timing, duration, and pressure of supplemental gas charges based on projectile position and chamber conditions. The control system modifies these parameters in real-time to achieve optimal velocity enhancement while preventing excessive pressure that could compromise chamber integrity, effectively balancing performance and safety through parameter optimization.
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
This system enhances projectile velocity, improves accuracy by flattening the trajectory, and allows for increased shooting distances while maintaining weapon integrity, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional firearms technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Control valves are used to regulate the release of pressurized gas into the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm propulsion system for releasing a projectile from a firearm includes a firearm having a chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin with a primer. A supply port is passed through at least one of the barrel and the chamber so as to reach the interior. A control valve is in communication with the supply port and is configured to regulate the passage of pressurized gas into the at least one of the barrel and the chamber from the supply port. A sensor is included in the chamber and is configured to detect the location of the projectile passing through the chamber after firing the firearm. A control system communicates with the control valve and the sensor to selectively release pressurized gas into the chamber after firing.