Helical Gun Cleaning Device with Radial Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm barrels are difficult to clean due to accumulated carbon and residue from gunpowder discharge, requiring partial disassembly and existing cleaning tools have substantial shortcomings.
Innovation Solution
A helically wound pull-through gun cleaning device with a central member overmolded with a thermo-plastic helical section and a tubular woven sheath, providing a helical path that conforms to the barrel and applies radial force for effective cleaning, along with accessory attachments for various cleaning tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional swabbing and brushing tools are used to clean firearm barrels, then cleaning can be performed without full disassembly, but the cleaning effectiveness is insufficient due to accumulated carbon and residue
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device incorporates a helical wire configuration that creates a corkscrew-shaped cleaning element. This helical geometry allows the device to navigate the cylindrical barrel interior effectively while maintaining continuous contact with the bore surface, enabling thorough cleaning without requiring full firearm disassembly
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device combines multiple materials with different properties: a flexible wire core for structural integrity and navigation, an elastomeric coating for conformability and cleaning surface contact, and optional abrasive particles for enhanced residue removal. This composite structure enables both accessibility and effective cleaning of stubborn carbon buildup
2Device complexity
If specialized swabbing and brushing tools are used, then partial disassembly is avoided, but the tools have substantial shortcomings in cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes changes in material properties under different conditions: the elastomeric coating becomes more compliant when exposed to cleaning solvents, allowing it to conform tightly to the barrel interior and dislodge residue. The helical wire structure also changes its effective stiffness based on insertion force, enabling navigation through the barrel followed by rigid cleaning action
3Shape
If a helical over-mold structure is used to maintain shape memory, then the device conforms to the barrel interior, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process utilizes the phase transition properties of thermoplastic elastomers: the material is heated to a molten state for injection molding into the helical configuration, then cooled to solidify and maintain the shape memory. This phase change enables complex three-dimensional helical structures to be manufactured efficiently through standard injection molding processes
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 device efficiently cleans firearm barrels by maintaining a helical shape that presses against the barrel's interior, effectively removing residue and improving cleaning efficiency and accessibility without full disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
provides a helical path that conforms to the barrel and applies radial force for effective cleaning
Implementation Method 2
applies radial force pressing the tubular woven sheath of the at least one helical over-mold against an inside surface or a rifling of the barrel
Implementation Method 3
At least one helical over-mold is overmolded over a portion of the central member and defines a helical path. The central member substantially conforms to the helical path
Data Source
AI summary
A helically wound pull through gun cleaning device includes a central member. At least one helical over-mold is overmolded over a portion of the central member and defines a helical path. The central member substantially conforms to the helical path. A tubular woven sheath overlays and conforms to the central member and is close woven over the central member and the at least one overmolded helical section.