Multi-piece Barrel Design for Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm designs struggle to achieve compact storage while maintaining the required minimum barrel lengths, as they often require longer barrels to meet regulatory standards.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece barrel design comprising a frame with a barrel mount facility, a rear barrel portion, a forward barrel portion, and an elongated barrel nut, which together form a 16″ or longer barrel assembly that can be disassembled into smaller, more compact lengths for storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single-piece barrel design is used, then the barrel maintains structural integrity and simplicity, but the firearm cannot be disassembled for compact storage
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is divided into multiple separable sections (barrel sections with male/female threading interfaces) that can be disconnected from each other. This segmentation allows the barrel to be stored in a compact disassembled state while maintaining the required minimum assembled length for legal compliance.
2Volume of moving object
If the barrel is made disassemblable into multiple pieces, then compact storage is achieved, but the structural integrity and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Threaded connections are pre-formed on the barrel sections during manufacturing, ensuring that when assembled, the sections engage with precise threading that maintains structural integrity. The threading geometry is designed to distribute stresses evenly across the connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading parameters (thread pitch, diameter, engagement length) are specifically optimized to provide sufficient mechanical strength and reliability. The connection geometry is designed to withstand the pressures and forces generated during firearm operation while allowing for disassembly when not in use.
3Volume of moving object
If a multi-piece barrel design is implemented, then compact storage is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel is divided into a limited number of sections (typically two or three) rather than many small pieces. This segmentation provides compact storage capability while keeping the number of components manageable and the assembly process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple barrel sections are combined into a unified assembly when in use, presenting as a single continuous barrel to the shooter. The male and female threading interfaces are integrated into the barrel sections themselves, eliminating the need for separate fastening hardware and reducing overall component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm comprising: a frame having a barrel mount facility; the barrel mount facility having a barrel engagement portion and a threaded portion; a rear barrel portion having a rear end defining a chamber and configured to connect to the barrel engagement portion; the rear barrel portion having a front end having a first mating facility; a forward barrel portion having a rear end having a second mating facility configured to connect to the first interconnection facility; the forward barrel portion having a first retention facility proximate the rear end; an elongated barrel nut having a forward end with a second retention facility configured to bias the first retention facility in a rearward direction, the barrel nut having a rear end having nut threads configured to connect with the threaded portion of the frame.