Firearm Suppressor With Segmented Inner and Outer Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The discharge of a firearm creates audible and visible signatures due to rapidly expanding propellant gases, which can be attenuated by slowing the rate of gas expansion. However, this can lead to a buildup of pressurized gas in the suppressor, causing backflow into the firearm and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A suppressor design featuring a body with an inner and outer chamber, where baffles in both chambers slow the expansion of propellant gases, reducing pressure buildup and backflow while effectively suppressing the audible and visual signatures of the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the rate of expansion of propellant gases is slowed to attenuate audible and visible signatures, then the suppressor effectiveness is improved, but pressure buildup occurs causing backflow into the firearm
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with baffles in each chamber. This segmentation allows progressive gas expansion and pressure management, preventing backflow while maintaining suppression effectiveness. Each chamber acts as an independent stage for gas deceleration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension by creating an annular passage between the outer periphery of the second chamber baffle and the inner surface of the suppressor body. This annular passage provides an additional flow path that distributes gas pressure radially, preventing axial backflow into the firearm while maintaining lateral expansion for signature attenuation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the rate of expansion of propellant gases is slowed to attenuate audible and visible signatures, then the suppressor effectiveness is improved, but wear and tear on the firearm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-chamber design with baffles segments the gas expansion process into multiple controlled stages. This progressive deceleration reduces pressure spikes and mechanical shocks transmitted to the firearm action, minimizing wear and tear while achieving effective signature attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppressor design incorporates expansion chambers and baffles that cushion the propellant gases before they can directly impact the firearm action. The gradual pressure reduction through multiple chambers protects the firearm from excessive forces and wear.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rate of expansion of propellant gases is slowed to attenuate audible and visible signatures, then the suppressor effectiveness is improved, but the action of the firearm cycles more quickly and with more force
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented chamber design with multiple baffles creates a controlled expansion timeline that manages gas pressure progression. This segmentation allows the suppressor to attenuate signatures through extended gas residence time while managing the timing and magnitude of pressure release to control firearm cycling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the pressure-time profile of propellant gases by introducing gradual expansion stages through multiple chambers and baffles. This parameter change in pressure progression slows gas expansion sufficiently for signature attenuation while controlling the rate of pressure equalization to regulate firearm cycling speed and force.
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 suppressor effectively reduces the energy signature of the firearm by slowing propellant gas expansion, minimizing backflow into the firearm, and preventing wear and tear, while maintaining desired ballistic performance.
Implementation Method 1
slow the rate of expansion of the firearm's propellant gases
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a suppressor for a firearm, and methods of making and using such a suppressor, whereby the suppressor includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis between body proximal and distal ends, the body defined by an annular body wall; an inner chamber disposed within the body, the inner chamber defined by an annular inner chamber wall; an outer chamber disposed between the inner chamber wall and the body wall, the outer chamber radially surrounding the inner chamber; at least one inner chamber baffle disposed within the inner chamber; and at least one outer chamber baffle disposed within the outer chamber; wherein the inner and outer chamber baffles are configured to slow the rate of expansion of the firearm's propellant gases.