Firearm Muzzle Accessory Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching muzzle accessories to firearm barrels are time-consuming, require specialized tools, and are prone to misalignment and damage due to reliance on frictional forces and repeated tightening, making them unsuitable for frequent removal and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A muzzle accessory system featuring a barrel with a transverse groove and cylindrical extension, combined with a locking mechanism using an O-ring, locking pin, and detent spring, allowing for quick and toolless alignment and attachment without specialized equipment, ensuring secure and rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded attachment methods with high torque are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases and specialized tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a barrel extension with external threading, a muzzle accessory with internal threading, and an O-ring seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates quicker assembly compared to monolithic threaded attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring acts as an intermediary element between the barrel extension and muzzle accessory. It provides sealing and frictional engagement that complements the threaded connection, enabling secure attachment with lower torque requirements and reducing installation time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If set screws are used to prevent rotation, then alignment is maintained, but repeated tightening causes stripping and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the set screw mechanical system with a friction-based retention system using an O-ring. The O-ring creates radial friction forces that prevent rotation and maintain alignment without requiring repeated tightening, eliminating the stripping and damage issues associated with set screws.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring material properties (elasticity, friction coefficient) are optimized to provide sufficient retention force under normal operation. The system transitions from a high-force mechanical fastening system to a controlled friction-based system, changing the operational parameters to prevent damage while maintaining alignment.
3Ease of operation
If frictional forces are relied upon for alignment, then simple attachment is achieved, but inadvertent rotation or misalignment occurs after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two attachment mechanisms: threaded connection for primary mechanical engagement and O-ring friction for secondary retention and sealing. This combination maintains the simplicity of friction-based attachment while adding the reliability of positive mechanical engagement, preventing inadvertent rotation after repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring is pre-installed on the barrel extension before attaching the muzzle accessory. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and creates consistent frictional engagement, improving alignment stability without complicating the overall attachment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A muzzle accessory for installation on a barrel of a firearm is provided. The muzzle accessory includes an accessory body having a through-channel sized to receive the barrel of the firearm; and a locking member structured to engage the groove of the barrel to lock the muzzle accessory to the barrel.