Firearm Auto Loader Regulator for Consistent Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic and semi-automatic firearms face issues with inconsistent energy delivery due to variations in gunpowder loads and suppressor backpressure, leading to improper auto loader cycling, where inadequate energy causes stuck rounds and excessive energy results in uncontrollable firing and wear.
Innovation Solution
A regulator for gas-operated firearms that includes a throttling valve or expansion valve to control pressure by moving between positions to prevent excessive pressure, venting combustion gases, or increasing chamber volume when pressure exceeds a threshold, ensuring consistent energy delivery across different loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no regulator is used and combustion gas is directly delivered to the auto loader, then the auto loader can operate with high energy, but the energy delivery becomes inconsistent and uncontrollable due to variations in gunpowder loads and suppressor backpressure
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator controls the pressure parameter of combustion gas delivered to the auto loader by using a throttling valve that adjusts between fully open and partially closed positions. This pressure regulation ensures consistent energy delivery to the auto loader regardless of variations in gunpowder loads or suppressor backpressure, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through a single valve mechanism.
2Reliability
If a regulator with a throttling valve is used to control pressure, then consistent energy delivery is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling valve in the regulator is designed to automatically adjust its position based on the pressure conditions in the system. When pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the valve partially closes to reduce flow; when pressure is adequate, the valve opens fully. This self-regulating mechanism achieves reliable pressure control without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If excessive pressure is allowed in the gas chamber, then the auto loader can cycle rapidly, but this results in uncontrollable firing and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator incorporates a feedback mechanism where the pressure conditions in the gas chamber directly influence the position of the throttling valve. When pressure builds to excessive levels that would cause uncontrollable firing, the valve automatically closes partially to reduce gas flow and lower pressure. This negative feedback loop maintains pressure within optimal ranges, ensuring controlled firing cycle speeds while preventing excessive wear and uncontrollable operation.
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 regulator maintains consistent auto loader operation by regulating pressure, preventing stuck rounds and uncontrollable firing, while reducing wear and improving controllability across varying load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a throttling valve in fluid communication with said chamber, the throttling valve has a first position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm can flow into the chamber, and a second position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm cannot flow into the chamber, and the throttling valve is configured to move from the first position to the second position when pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold level
Implementation Method 2
An expansion valve is in fluid communication with the gas chamber and the expansion valve is constructed and arranged to move from a firing position to increase a volume of said gas chamber when pressure in the gas chamber exceeds a threshold level
Implementation Method 3
A valve includes a vent hole and the valve is in fluid communication with the gas chamber to vent combustion gas from the gas chamber through the vent hole
Implementation Method 4
The regulator also includes a piston having a piston head in fluid communication with said chamber, the piston is constructed and arranged to move away from a firing position to actuate at least a portion of a cycle of the firearm when urged by pressurized combustion gas received in said chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator that controls an amount of energy provided to an auto loader for rounds having different gun powder loads is provided. The regulator includes a chamber, and a piston in fluid communication with the chamber. The regulator may further include a throttling valve having a first position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm can flow into the chamber, and a second position in which pressurized combustion gas from the gas port of a barrel of a firearm cannot flow into the chamber. The throttling valve is configured to move from the first position to the second position when pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold level. The regulator may include an expansion valve in fluid communication with the chamber and arranged to move from a first position to increase a volume of the chamber when pressure in the chamber exceeds a threshold level. The regulator may include a valve including a vent hole, where the valve is in fluid communication with the chamber and is arranged to vent combustion gas from the chamber through the vent hole.