Multi-Flange Crush Washer for Firearm Barrel Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crush washers for firearms have insufficient crushing length and often jam onto mating threads, making removal difficult due to small clearances and aesthetic constraints, which limit the diameter of the crush washer.
Innovation Solution
A crush washer design featuring multiple flanges connected by bridges of plastically deforming material, allowing the flanges to compress and form a solid body with diameters close to the undeformed state, providing adequate crush length and secure jamming force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer diameter of the crush washer is kept close to the diameter of the barrel for aesthetic reasons, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the crushing length is reduced making adequate crush length unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The crush washer is divided into multiple flanges (first flange, second flange, etc.) separated by grooves, with bridges connecting them. This segmentation allows the washer to achieve adequate crushing length through multiple flanges while maintaining a compact outer diameter, as the bridges efficiently transmit compressive forces between flanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-flange design to a multi-flange configuration arranged axially along the barrel. This dimensional arrangement allows the crush washer to provide sufficient crush length in the axial direction while keeping the radial outer diameter close to the barrel diameter for aesthetic purposes.
2Strength
If the inner diameter of the crush washer is made larger than the major diameter of the mating threads, then the threads are protected, but the available area for crushing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the crush washer into multiple flanges connected by bridges, the invention maximizes the use of available crushing area. Each flange contributes to the crushing action, and the bridges efficiently transmit forces, allowing adequate crush length to be achieved within the constrained area between the threads and outer diameter.
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 enhances the crush washer's ability to provide a secure jamming force while maintaining diameters close to the original state, addressing the limitations of existing washers by allowing for increased crush length and ease of removal.
Implementation Method 1
A crush washer design featuring multiple flanges connected by bridges of plastically deforming material, allowing the flanges to compress and form a solid body
Implementation Method 2
the crush washer is adapted to deform under pressure and provide a jamming force between the muzzle treatment and the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a crush washer for a firearm that comprises a ring of material about a center axis having an inner surface towards the center axis and an outer surface away from the center axis, and at least one groove in the inner surface or outer surface. The groove forms: a first flange having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween; a second flange having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween; and a bridge connecting the first flange and the second flange, the bridge having an inner surface and an outer surface with a thickness therebetween. In an undeformed state, the inner surface of the first flange is adjacent to, but spaced apart from, the inner surface of the second flange. In a deformed state, the inner surface of the first flange is closer to the inner surface of the second flange compared to the undeformed state. The thickness of the bridge is less than the thickness of the first flange and less than the thickness of the second flange.