Modular Firearm Suppressor with Segmented Baffles

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm suppressors are heavy and complex, increasing manufacturing costs and complicating the fabrication process, while also being inflexible in addressing varying muzzle blast intensities across different firearms.

Innovation Solution

A modular suppressor design featuring a mounting apparatus, blast cap, baffles with gas ports, and an end cap, aligned and joined using specific features, allowing for easy assembly and modification to accommodate various firearm calibers and muzzle blast intensities, with the ability to add or remove modules and baffles for customizable performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a shell is used to contain and align elements in the suppressor, then the elements are effectively contained and aligned, but the suppressor becomes heavier and the fabrication process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and containment of elementsVSAvoidsuppressor weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The suppressor is divided into multiple discrete baffle elements that are stacked together without requiring a complete shell structure. Each baffle is an independent component that can be individually manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for a heavy enclosing shell while maintaining proper alignment through integrated features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment and containment functions are merged into the baffle elements themselves through integrated aligning features and joining mechanisms. Rather than using a separate shell for containment and alignment, the baffles incorporate these functions directly into their structure, reducing overall weight while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a shell is used to contain and align elements in the suppressor, then the elements are effectively contained and aligned, but the fabrication process becomes more complex and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment and containment of elementsVSAvoidfabrication complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The suppressor is divided into multiple discrete baffle elements that are stacked together without requiring a complete shell structure. Each baffle is an independent component that can be individually manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for a heavy enclosing shell while maintaining proper alignment through integrated features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The baffle elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they contain propellant gases, align the central aperture, and provide joining surfaces for assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate containment and alignment components, simplifying fabrication and reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional suppressor design is used, then muzzle blasts are reduced, but the suppressor cannot be easily modified for different muzzle blast intensities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemuzzle blast reductionVSAvoidadaptability to different muzzle blast intensities

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suppressor is divided into multiple discrete baffle elements that are stacked together without requiring a complete shell structure. Each baffle is an independent component that can be individually manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for a heavy enclosing shell while maintaining proper alignment through integrated features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suppressor design allows for dynamic configuration by adding or removing baffle elements based on the specific muzzle blast intensity requirements. This modular approach enables the same basic structure to be adapted for different firearm calibers and blast intensities, providing versatility while maintaining effective muzzle blast reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9476661B2Firearm suppressor

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 TROY IND INC

AI summary

A suppressor for reducing muzzle blasts in firearms includes mounting apparatus with a rear end designed to mate with a firearm barrel. A blast cap includes aligning and joining features mating the blast cap with the mounting apparatus. A plurality of baffles each includes aligning and joining features mating one baffle with the blast cap and the remaining baffles to each other. Each baffle includes a plate having gas ports therethrough positioned within a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The gas ports are positioned intermediate a central aperture and an outer edge of the plate. An end cap includes aligning and joining features mating the end cap with the adjacent baffle. The mounting apparatus, the blast cap, the plurality of baffles, and the end cap are affixed together using the aligning and joining features to form a suppressor and each includes a central aperture longitudinally aligned with the firearm barrel.