Multiple-Barrel Firearm With Rotor Lock and Servo Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-barrel firearms, such as the M134 platform, are heavy and lack effective safety mechanisms, particularly when in a safe condition, and require additional components that add unnecessary weight.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-barrel firearm design utilizing a brushless DC servo motor with closed-loop positional feedback, a mechanical barrel cluster rotational lock, and a longitudinal bolt searing safety mechanism, along with a self-contained hardware barrel clamp and integrated suspension lug mounting, to achieve reduced weight and enhanced safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing M134 platform components are used, then proven reliability is achieved, but weight is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is divided into modular components including separate barrel clusters, rotor assemblies, and feed mechanisms that can be independently optimized and manufactured, allowing weight reduction while maintaining proven functional reliability of each subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes material parameters and component dimensions to reduce weight, using lighter materials and optimized structural parameters while maintaining the proven operational reliability of the M134 platform design
2Reliability
If traditional safety mechanisms are used, then basic safety is provided, but absolute safety in safe condition is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor lock mechanism is engaged in advance before operation to physically prevent rotor rotation, and the bolt searing mechanism is positioned beforehand to ensure firing pin action is controlled, providing absolute safety before the weapon is activated
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple redundant safety mechanisms are implemented in advance including mechanical rotor locks, bolt searing, and electronic controls that provide layered protection against accidental discharge, ensuring absolute safety before operation begins
3Reliability
If mechanical rotor locking is implemented, then absolute safety is achieved, but additional components increase weight
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor lock mechanism is integrated with the existing rotor assembly structure, combining safety functionality with the drive system rather than adding separate independent components, thereby achieving absolute safety while minimizing weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor lock mechanism serves multiple functions including safety engagement, rotor positioning, and potential transport locking, providing absolute safety while reducing the need for separate dedicated safety components that would add weight
4Measurement precision
If brushless DC servo motor with feedback is used, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Position feedback sensors provide real-time information about rotor and barrel cluster positions to the control system, enabling precise control of rotating components through closed-loop control that automatically corrects positioning errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control linkages with an electric brushless DC servo motor system controlled by electronic feedback, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving superior rotational control precision
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 results in a firearm that is nearly half the weight of existing platforms, with absolute safety in the safe condition and precise control of rotating components, ensuring reliable operation and reduced inertial loads.
Implementation Method 1
The drive system utilizes a brushless DC servo motor with closed loop positional feedback for precise control of all rotating components
Implementation Method 2
The drive system utilizes a brushless DC servo motor with closed loop positional feedback for precise control of all rotating components
Implementation Method 3
The multiple-barrel firearm utilizes a mechanical barrel cluster rotational lock for absolute safety when the system is in safe condition
Implementation Method 4
The multiple-barrel firearm has a longitudinal bolt searing safety mechanism
Implementation Method 5
the feeder sprocket that is concentric to and rotates in an opposite direction of the barrel cluster so as to cause an inertial load of the feed mechanism to counteract an inertial load of the barrel cluster
Implementation Method 6
a spring-loaded rotating barrel lock whereby the barrel clamp is removed via tool inserted into the slot so that force is applied to the lock plunger, rotating spring-loaded rotating barrel lock
Data Source
AI summary
A machine gun comprising a gun housing; a rotor assembly positioned within the gun housing; a barrel cluster including a plurality of barrels extending forward from the rotor assembly; one or more vents providing a path for expulsion away from the rotor assembly of gases emanating from a cartridge chambered in one of the plurality of barrels; and one or more of a rotor lock mechanism, a feed mechanism, a delinking and transfer mechanism, a searing mechanism, a drive system, a self-contained hardware barrel clamp, a threaded adapter barrel clamp, integrated mounts, and/or multiple feed inlet locations.