Flexible Barrel Safety Device for Firearm Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firearm safety devices restrict mechanical functions of firearms during training, require disassembly, and do not effectively prevent loading of projectiles, limiting their usability and safety.

Innovation Solution

A barrel safety device with a stem, transition section, and chamber plug that fits into the firearm's chamber through the ejection port, preventing cartridge loading while maintaining firearm functionality, and a magazine safety device that simulates a cartridge to prevent chambering, allowing full mechanical operation without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current safety devices are used to make firearm safe, then projectile loading is prevented, but mechanical functions of firearm are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmechanical function

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is divided into separate functional components: a chamber plug to prevent projectile loading, a stem for installation/removal, and a transition section for flexibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall device effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber plug acts as an intermediary object that simulates a cartridge's external dimensions but prevents actual projectile loading. It mediates between the need for safety and the need to maintain mechanical functions by allowing slide/bolt movement while blocking the chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If firearm is disassembled for safety device installation, then safety device can be used, but training time is lost and exposure to hazardous materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety device installationVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The safety device is designed to be pre-assembled as a complete unit with the chamber plug already attached to the stem via the transition section. This preliminary assembly allows for rapid installation into the firearm chamber without requiring disassembly or multiple separate installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transition section is made of flexible material that allows the chamber plug to be inserted through the ejection port in a bent configuration, then flexes into place within the chamber. This flexibility enables installation without firearm disassembly and reduces exposure to lubricants and lead particulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If rigid chamber plug is used, then installation through ejection port is difficult, but flexible material may not provide sufficient structural support

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinstallationVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The transition section is constructed from flexible material that can be bent to allow the chamber plug to pass through the ejection port during installation. Once installed, the flexible material provides sufficient structural support to maintain the chamber plug's position while allowing for removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transition section's physical parameters (flexibility, elasticity) are optimized to provide the right balance between installability and structural support. The material properties are selected to allow bending during insertion while maintaining adequate strength to secure the chamber plug in place during firearm operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 safe handling and training with firearms by preventing projectile loading while maintaining mechanical functions, reducing setup time and exposure to hazardous materials, and providing visual indicators for safety.

Implementation Method 1

the transition section is flexible under pressure to allow for installation of the chamber plug in the chamber through the ejection port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility under pressure: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9939220B2Magazine and barrel block

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 BLOK SAFETY SYST LLC

AI summary

A firearm safety device having a barrel safety device embodiment for use with a firearm that has a chamber, ejection port and barrel. The barrel safety device having a stem adapted to enter the barrel of the firearm. The barrel safety device having a chamber plug adapted to enter and fit into the chamber of the firearm. The barrel safety device having a transition section between the stem and the chamber plug. Where the transition section is flexible under pressure to allow for installation of the chamber plug in the chamber through the ejection port.