Firearm Sound Suppressor with Dual Flow Paths and Collet Clamp
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm sound suppressors face issues with thread fouling, instability, and residual propellant gas blow-back, leading to difficulties in disassembly, maintenance, and accuracy due to high internal pressure and gunpowder residue buildup.
Innovation Solution
A sound and flash suppressor design with an elongate tubular housing and dual flow paths, featuring baffles and spacers that direct propellant gas into primary and secondary paths, minimizing pressure and enhancing gas exhaust, along with a collet-like clamp mechanism for secure alignment and left-hand threads for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded connection is used to attach suppressor to barrel, then assembly and disassembly for cleaning is enabled, but thread fouling from propellant gas pressure causes locking and prevents unthreading
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is divided into multiple components connected by threaded joints, allowing segmentation for disassembly and cleaning while maintaining overall functionality during operation
Solution Approach 2:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between threaded components to prevent propellant gas from directly contacting and fouling the threads, thereby eliminating thread locking while preserving disassembly capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high pressure propellant gas is contained in single flow path, then sound suppression is achieved, but residual gas pressure causes blow-back toward user
Solution Approach 1:
The single propellant gas flow path is segmented into multiple parallel paths (first and second flow paths), distributing gas flow to reduce pressure buildup and prevent blow-back while maintaining sound suppression through multiple discharge points
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow is redirected from a linear single-path configuration to a multi-dimensional multi-path configuration, allowing gas to exit through laterally spaced discharge openings rather than a single axial exit, thereby dispersing pressure and preventing blow-back
3Ease of operation
If threaded connection is used, then assembly disassembly is possible, but suppressor becomes unstable and misaligned due to short thread length
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple threaded connections are merged into a unified attachment system where several threads work together to provide both the stability needed for alignment and the disassembly capability for maintenance, achieving both contradictory requirements simultaneously
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 dual flow path design reduces internal pressure, minimizes gunpowder flash, and allows for easy disassembly and maintenance, ensuring accurate firearm operation and reduced risk of misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure of propellant gas is diminished by dividing gas emitted from the firearm barrel into a primary flow path within the baffles and a secondary flow path between the outer walls of the baffles and the internal wall of the elongate tubular housing
Implementation Method 2
The partitions of the baffles are designed to reflect propellant gas and cause gas agitation within the chambers to slow the progress of gas transition through the suppressor and increase the dwell time
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm noise suppressor and flash hider device having a tubular housing having left hand threaded components. A suppressor mount securing and aligning the tubular housing relative to a firearm barrel. A number of propellant gas handling members within the housing define aligned projectile ports and baffle chambers to permit projectile movement and slow the progress of propellant gas as it traverses the internal chamber. These gas handling members define primary and secondary flow paths within the housing to divide the propellant gas discharge from the barrel and minimize gas pressure and volume of flow, resulting in lower propellant pressure, minimized noise and propellant flash. The primary and secondary flow paths each have separate discharge openings at the forward end of the suppressor.