Multi-Barrel Gun Manufacturing via Monolithic Machining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun barrel manufacturing techniques result in reduced straightness and accuracy due to the soldering process, which also limits the closeness of the barrels and increases perceived recoil.
Innovation Solution
The method involves machining a single metal block to form barrel preforms, drilling holes through them, and honing to achieve straight and smooth barrels without soldering, allowing for closer and parallel barrel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional separate barrel formation with soldering is used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but barrel straightness and accuracy deteriorate due to heat treatment during soldering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple barrels into a single integrated structure by machining them as one unified component from a single metal block. This eliminates the need for separate formation and soldering of individual barrels, thereby avoiding heat treatment that degrades straightness while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through computer-controlled machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the manufacturing process into distinct stages: first machining the outer shape of all barrels as a unified preform, then separately drilling bores through each barrel section. This segmentation allows precise control over each operation while maintaining the overall integrity of the multi-barrel structure, achieving high straightness without requiring soldering.
2Manufacturing precision
If barrels are spaced apart with a central rib, then structural support is improved, but barrel closeness deteriorates which reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function directly into the barrel assembly by machining the barrels and their supporting rib structure as a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate rib attachments and allows the barrels to be positioned closer together while maintaining structural integrity through the unified machined structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If barrels are angled towards each other to compensate for spacing, then accuracy is improved, but perceived recoil increases due to sideways momentum
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of angling the barrels towards each other to achieve accuracy, the patent inverts the approach by machining the barrels in a parallel configuration and using precise machining to ensure they fire accurately without convergence. This eliminates the sideways momentum that causes increased perceived recoil while maintaining shot accuracy through superior manufacturing precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If soldering is used to join barrels, then assembly is simpler, but mechanical properties of metal deteriorate due to heat treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the barrel formation process into a single machining operation where all barrels are created as one integrated component from a single metal block. This eliminates the need for soldering entirely, preserving the mechanical properties of the metal while achieving assembly through the unified machined structure rather than through joining separate parts.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing two or more gun barrels, the method comprising: machining (103) a single metal block to form a barrel preform having the outer shape of at least a first gun barrel and a second gun barrel; drilling (105) a first hole through the first gun barrel to form a first barrel bore; and drilling (107) a second hole through the second gun barrel to form a second barrel bore. Advantages include the barrels being integrally attached to each other and so a soldering operation to attach the barrels to each other is avoided.