Quick-Acting Modular Rifle Interface for Field Barrel Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current precision rifles are difficult to disassemble and transport without specialized tools, and require frequent depot visits for maintenance and barrel replacement, leading to inefficiencies in field operations.
Innovation Solution
A quick-acting modular rifle interface that allows for the disassembly of precision rifles into smaller components using a ball bearing connection system, enabling field replacement and compact storage without specialized equipment, and allowing for interchangeable barrel lengths and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If precision rifles use conventional barrel attachment methods, then barrel strength and alignment are maintained, but disassembly requires specialized tools and frequent depot visits
Solution Approach 1:
The rifle barrel assembly is divided into separate modular components: the barrel itself and the receiver assembly with integrated quick-change interface. This segmentation allows the barrel to be quickly detached and replaced without specialized tools, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of disassembly and maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-change interface mechanism serves as an intermediary component between the barrel and receiver. This intermediate device enables tool-free barrel replacement while maintaining precise alignment and structural strength, eliminating the need for depot-level maintenance and specialized disassembly tools.
2Measurement precision
If precision rifles have long barrels for accuracy, then shooting precision is improved, but transportation and concealment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rifle system is segmented into a reusable receiver assembly and interchangeable barrel components. Operators can carry multiple shorter barrel variants that provide sufficient accuracy for different tactical situations, eliminating the need to transport one extremely long barrel while maintaining shooting precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rifle configuration becomes dynamic rather than static, allowing operators to adapt barrel length and type based on mission requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the system to optimize between length for transportation and length for precision depending on operational context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If precision rifles use fixed barrel configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability for different missions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-change interface mechanism serves as a universal adapter that accommodates multiple barrel types, calibers, and lengths through a single standardized mounting system. This multi-functional interface enables mission adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as the same interface handles diverse barrel configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular barrel system allows operators to change critical parameters such as barrel length, caliber, and weight by swapping components rather than redesigning the entire rifle. This parameter change capability provides mission adaptability while keeping the base receiver assembly simple and standardized.
4Reliability
If precision rifles require depot maintenance after specified use, then barrel reliability is ensured, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-change interface acts as an intermediary that enables field-level barrel replacement without specialized tools or depot facilities. Operators can quickly swap barrels in the field, eliminating the time loss associated with shipping rifles to depots and ensuring continuous operational readiness while maintaining barrel reliability through controlled replacement cycles.
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 efficient transportation and maintenance of precision rifles, reducing downtime and allowing operators to maintain familiar equipment, with negligible impact on accuracy or weight.
Implementation Method 1
ball bearing connection system
Implementation Method 2
ball bearing connection system
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to quick acting interfaces that allow for easier transportation and maintenance of precision rifles. Embodiments include an interface with an engaging segment and a receiving segment that engage one another and lock together. The engaging segment may have a series of connective bearings that fit into indentations inside the receiving segment. Embodiments allow a firearm to be modulated such that a barrel of the firearm may be disassembled without the need of any specialized equipment and reassembled without impacting the firearm's accuracy or reliability. Embodiments are scalable such that multiple interfaces can be used to adjust the total length of the firearm barrel.