Firearm Muzzle Locking Ring Asymmetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm attachment systems, such as suppressors and blank firing adapters, lack a secure locking mechanism that prevents loose engagement with the muzzle, potentially leading to inconsistent attachment and safety hazards, especially when real ammunition is accidentally used.
Innovation Solution
A locking assembly featuring a lock ring and lock-and-release lever system that forcefully engages the muzzle through a non-concentric engagement surface, providing a secure and repeatable attachment by utilizing various geometries and frictional engagement surfaces to prevent rotation or loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional attachment system is used to attach suppressor or blank firing adapter to the muzzle, then the attachment can be made quickly and easily, but the engagement may become loose or inconsistent, leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring features a non-concentric engagement surface that is offset from the central axis, creating an asymmetric geometry that forces the attachment to engage at a specific orientation. This asymmetric design prevents the attachment from becoming loose or disengaging, as the non-concentric surface creates a mechanical lock that maintains consistent engagement while allowing for quick attachment and removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surface is designed with curved or conical geometry rather than flat surfaces. The non-concentric engagement surface creates a tapered or curved interface between the lock ring and the attachment, which provides frictional engagement and mechanical interlocking. This curved geometry ensures that the attachment remains securely locked in place while maintaining ease of operation for attachment and removal
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented to prevent loose engagement, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into distinct functional components: a lock ring that rotates around the muzzle, a non-concentric engagement surface that provides the locking action, and a lock-and-release lever system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, creating a reliable locking mechanism while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The non-concentric engagement surface automatically provides the locking action through its geometry alone, without requiring additional springs, cam mechanisms, or complex locking components. The offset surface creates inherent mechanical interference that prevents disengagement, making the system self-locking and eliminating the need for elaborate safety mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If a non-concentric engagement surface is used to forceful engagement, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-concentric engagement surface is designed with deliberate asymmetric geometry where the offset distance and angular orientation are optimized to provide reliable locking. By establishing specific asymmetric parameters during design, the system achieves consistent engagement and locking behavior that compensates for normal manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable operation without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustment of key parameters such as the offset distance of the non-concentric surface, the angle of the engagement surface, and the dimensions of the lock ring. These parameter variations enable optimization of the locking mechanism for different application requirements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility, balancing reliability needs with practical manufacturing precision capabilities
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
Ensures a secure and consistent attachment of firearm attachments without altering the firearm's 'zero' alignment, while incorporating safety features to redirect projectiles safely in case of accidental live rounds, enhancing user safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing various geometries and frictional engagement surfaces to prevent rotation or loosening
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking system (22) for a firearm attachment (20). The locking system having a rotating lock ring (30) having a lock-and- release lever (50) rotatably mounted thereto. The lock-and-release lever having a lock engagement surface (64) optimally configured to forcefully engage a locking surface (42) located on the locking (30) when in a locked orientation. The locking ring having a nonconcentric engagement surface (45) that repositions in a radial direction when the locking ring (30) rotates and the nonconcentric engagement surface (45) is configured to engage the muzzle of a firearm for locking the muzzle attachment thereto. Said lever (50) rotates in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (106) of the firearm attachment.