Integrally Suppressed Barrel with Configurable Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm suppressors lack adjustability across a range of ammunition velocities and often increase fouling due to their design, which can affect performance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A firearm barrel design with configurable breech and muzzle hole groups and a mesh layer system that allows for the venting of propellant gas and air, reducing back pressure and fouling by creating an open path for gas escape throughout the projectile's passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing suppressors use baffles or complex geometries to reduce muzzle blast noise, then noise suppression is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is integrated directly into the barrel as a single monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate suppressor components. The barrel and suppressor functions are merged into one piece, reducing device complexity while maintaining noise suppression effectiveness through the barrel's own geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel serves dual functions: it contains the rifling grooves for projectile stabilization and simultaneously functions as the suppressor structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate suppressor device, reducing overall system complexity while achieving noise reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing suppressors use closed designs to extend pressure distribution time, then noise suppression is improved, but adherent fouling in the action and gas system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor structure includes multiple segmented openings (first openings, second openings, third openings) distributed along its length. These segmented openings allow continuous pressure relief throughout the projectile's passage, preventing pressure buildup that would otherwise increase fouling in the action and gas system.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings are distributed continuously along the suppressor length, allowing pressure relief to occur continuously throughout the projectile's passage rather than at discrete intervals. This continuous pressure management reduces fouling while maintaining noise suppression.
3Reliability
If existing suppressors are designed for specific velocity ranges, then performance at those velocities is improved, but adaptability across the full range of ammunition velocities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor openings are configured to provide dynamic pressure relief that adapts to different projectile velocities. The distributed openings along the suppressor length create a progressive pressure management system that automatically adjusts to the specific velocity of the projectile passing through, maintaining effectiveness across a wide range of ammunition types.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel-integrated suppressor design with distributed openings serves as a universal solution that works effectively across the full range of ammunition velocities for the cartridge, from subsonic to hypersonic speeds, eliminating the need for velocity-specific suppressor designs.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If existing suppressors extend pressure distribution time to reduce peak pressure, then noise suppression is improved, but back pressure on the action increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor includes segmented openings (first openings, second openings, third openings) distributed along its length that provide staged pressure relief. This segmentation allows pressure to be released in progressive stages rather than creating a single prolonged high-pressure period, reducing back pressure on the action while maintaining noise suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings provide partial pressure relief at multiple locations along the suppressor, allowing enough pressure management to achieve noise suppression without fully containing the pressure. This partial action approach achieves the necessary noise reduction while avoiding excessive back pressure on the action.
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 design reduces noise and fouling by allowing controlled venting of gases, improving suppressor performance across various ammunition velocities and reducing adherent fouling in the barrel and action of autoloading firearms.
Implementation Method 1
the combustion products move at a speed comparable to the projectile itself until the projectile leaves the muzzle
Implementation Method 2
creating an open path for gas escape throughout the projectile's passage
Implementation Method 3
combusting a solid propellant which produces a gas, thereby creating pressure inside the firearm
Implementation Method 4
When the pressurized gas exits the muzzle of the gun, it creates a blast wave in the atmosphere with a rapid rise time
Implementation Method 5
the projectile will exceed the speed of sound before it exits the barrel, the projectile creating in front of itself a shock wave
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an integrally suppressed barrel which in an embodiment includes a firearm barrel, an outer sleeve, a front end cap, and a plurality of mesh layers. The firearm barrel has at least one set of hole groups to provide venting of propellant gas to a first space between the firearm barrel and the outer sleeve. At least one hole of at least one of the sets of hole groups is sized and threaded to mate with a removable socket head plug and are configurable by the user to vent, or to not vent, based both upon attributes of the ammunition desired for use and upon the desired degree of suppression. The holes of the at least one set of hole groups are elements of an open path for the gas, from behind a fired projectile, to outside the integrally suppressed barrel, as the projectile traverses the bore of the firearm barrel. Movement of the gas vented from forward holes dampens movement of the gas vented from rear holes. The plurality of mesh layers is located in the first space. The plurality of mesh layers disrupts and disperses the wavefront of the gas vented into the first space between the firearm barrel and the outer sleeve. The first space and the plurality of mesh layers are also elements of the open path for the gas. The front end cap threadably coupled to a threaded muzzle end of the firearm barrel applies compression to form a gas-tight seal at both ends of the outer sleeve.