Firearm Sound Suppressor With Acoustic Metamaterial Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm sound suppressors do not adequately reduce noise levels and may have structural limitations.
Innovation Solution
A sound suppressor design incorporating concentrically disposed shells with apertures and undulations, including an intermediate member made of acoustic metamaterial, to manage propellant gas flow and noise reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional baffles and spacers are used to slow propellant gas, then gas flow is reduced, but noise reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs acoustic metamaterials as intermediate members between the inner and outer shells, creating a composite structure that combines traditional suppressor geometry with advanced acoustic materials. These metamaterials are specifically designed to target and attenuate specific frequency ranges of sound waves, providing superior noise reduction compared to conventional baffles and spacers while maintaining effective gas flow management through their engineered porous or resonant structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple shell structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but structural integrity and noise reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is divided into multiple concentric shells (inner shell, intermediate member, outer shell) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the inner shell for gas flow, the intermediate metamaterial layers for noise attenuation, and the outer shell for structural protection - while maintaining overall structural integrity through precise interfacing and sealing between segments.
3Strength
If thicker shells are used for structural integrity, then strength increases, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested concentric structure where the inner shell, intermediate acoustic metamaterial layers, and outer shell are arranged in nested cylinders. This nesting allows the suppressor to achieve high structural integrity through the distributed load-bearing capacity of multiple thin-walled shells working in conjunction, rather than requiring a single thick wall. The intermediate metamaterial layers provide acoustic attenuation while contributing minimal structural weight, optimizing the strength-to-complexity ratio.
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
Enhances noise reduction and structural integrity by optimizing gas flow dynamics, providing improved sound suppression performance.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate member disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell and formed at least in part from an acoustic metamaterial
Implementation Method 2
The inner shell may be concentrically disposed within the outer shell and define a plurality of first apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A suppressor for a firearm includes a housing, a cylindrical construct, and a structure. The cylindrical construct is disposed within the housing and surrounds a central pathway along a central axis of the suppressor. The cylindrical construct defines a plurality of apertures. The structure is disposed within the housing and surrounds the cylindrical construct. The structure extends along the central axis and includes a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls define a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. At least one of the plurality of apertures is in fluid communication with the central pathway, the first fluid passage, and the second fluid passage.