Firearm Suppressor Cylindrical Support Gas Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm suppressor designs do not adequately condition combustion gases before they reach the baffle stack, limiting the expansion, cooling, and energy dissipation of gases, which in turn restricts the reduction of the noise signature associated with firearm discharge.

Innovation Solution

The suppressor design includes a cylindrical support with upstream and downstream annular chambers and apertures that pre-condition combustion gases by allowing them to expand and cool before reaching the baffle stack, with additional fluid communication pathways through passages and grooves to enhance gas distribution and flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional suppressor designs are used with direct baffle stack configuration, then the structure is simple, but the combustion gases do not adequately expand and cool, limiting energy dissipation and noise reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy dissipation of combustion gasesVSAvoidsuppressor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suppressor is divided into distinct functional sections: an expansion chamber for gas conditioning, a baffle stack for energy dissipation, and a muzzle section for noise reduction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively achieving superior energy dissipation without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion chamber is positioned upstream of the baffle stack to pre-condition the combustion gases by allowing them to expand and cool before entering the baffle section. This preliminary action enhances the subsequent energy dissipation process, improving overall noise reduction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If combustion gases are directly directed to the baffle stack without conditioning, then the device complexity is low, but the expansion and cooling of gases is insufficient, reducing noise signature reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise signature of firearm dischargeVSAvoidgas conditioning structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion chamber provides a preliminary conditioning zone where combustion gases expand and cool before reaching the baffle stack. This pre-action reduces gas temperature and pressure, enhancing the noise reduction capability of the subsequent baffle section

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion chamber acts as an intermediary element between the barrel and the baffle stack. It conditions the combustion gases by providing a controlled expansion volume, thereby improving the effectiveness of the baffle stack in dissipating energy and reducing noise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design improves sound damping and thermal performance by effectively pre-conditioning combustion gases, leading to a more significant reduction in noise signature and enhanced energy dissipation compared to conventional suppressor designs.

Implementation Method 1

the baffle stack redirects the combustion gases inside the casing to allow the combustion gases to expand, cool, and otherwise dissipate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas expansion:

Implementation Method 2

allow the combustion gases to expand, cool, and otherwise dissipate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdiabatic cooling: Adiabatic Cooling

Implementation Method 3

allow the combustion gases to expand, cool, and otherwise dissipate energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 4

dissipate energy of the combustion gases to reduce the noise signature of the firearm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic energy dissipation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3561436B1Suppressor for a firearm
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 MARFIONE ANTHONY
  • EP3561436B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3561436B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3561436B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A suppressor for a firearm includes a casing having rear and front ends. Baffles are inside the casing between the rear and front ends. A cylindrical support has an upstream end, a downstream end, and a circumferential rib. The upstream end is connected to the rear end of the casing. The downstream end is engaged with at least one of the baffles. The circumferential rib surrounds the cylindrical support between the upstream and downstream ends and extends radially from the cylindrical support to the casing. Upstream and downstream annular chambers defined at least in part by the casing, the cylindrical support, and the circumferential rib circumferentially surround the cylindrical support. A plurality of apertures through the cylindrical support provide fluid communication through the cylindrical support to the upstream and downstream annular chambers.