Flash Hider Nozzle for Sound Suppressor Quick-Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing military firearm systems face challenges in reducing visible flash and sound when firing, as current flash hiders and sound suppressors require removal or replacement, and do not effectively manage hot gases to prevent secondary flash.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a flash hider, sound suppressor, and coupler that allows quick and secure attachment and detachment, with the flash hider forming a nozzle for the sound suppressor and featuring tapered tines with stepped features to cool hot gases, and an internal baffle structure for turbulent mixing to reduce sound and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sound suppressor is fitted to the threaded end of the barrel, then sound suppression is achieved, but the flash hider must be removed or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flash hider and sound suppressor into a single integrated assembly where the flash hider is permanently attached to the barrel and the sound suppressor couples to the flash hider via a coupler mechanism, eliminating the need to remove the flash hider for suppressor installation
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the flash hider attached to the barrel, the coupler mechanism, and the sound suppressor. This segmentation allows the suppressor to be independently attached and detached from the flash hider without affecting the flash hider's permanent installation on the barrel
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional flash hider is used, then flash reduction is achieved, but hot gases reignite causing secondary flash
Solution Approach 1:
The flash hider incorporates three tapered tines with stepped features on their sides, creating localized zones of different geometry and flow characteristics. These stepped features expand the distance between tines for hot gases traveling radially, creating specific local conditions for cooling and turbulent mixing at critical locations where secondary flash occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The stepped features on the tines change the physical parameters of hot gas flow by expanding the radial distance and creating turbulent mixing zones. This alters the temperature, velocity, and mixing characteristics of the gases, causing them to cool quickly and mix with cooler air before exiting, preventing reignition
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sound suppressor is attached directly to the barrel, then sound suppression is achieved, but the flash hider cannot form a nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the flash hider and sound suppressor functions by positioning the suppressor to couple to the flash hider's outlet, allowing the flash hider to simultaneously serve as both a flash reduction device and a nozzle for the suppressor system
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
Enables quick and secure operation of sound suppressors without removing the flash hider, effectively reducing visible flash and sound, while managing hot gases to prevent secondary flash and enhance sound suppression.
Implementation Method 1
The steps also create turbulent mixing with the cooler air outside the flash hider to reduce the shock of the hot gases hiting the cooler air and to reduce the temperature differential between the two
Implementation Method 2
allow those gases to cool quickly
Implementation Method 3
those gases cross and re-cross the centerline of the suppressor to turbulently mix with the axial flow
Implementation Method 4
more quickly give up heat to the baffles and to the suppressor housing itself
Data Source
AI summary
A flash hider, a sound suppressor and a quick-disconnect coupler that holds the sound suppressor to a flash hider is disclosed. The quick-disconnect coupler enables the suppressor to be attached to the flash hider so that the hider forms a nozzle at the entrance to the sound suppressor to facilitate the operation of the suppressor. The coupler includes a collar that threads to the first part of the suppressor over plural holes formed therein. Camming latches set in these holes are held firmly against flat surfaces on the exterior of the flash hider by the collar. A spring lock holds the collar against rotation until it is released.