Muzzle Loading Rifle Breech Plug with Multi-Start Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muzzle loading rifles face challenges with removable breech plugs that require significant time and effort to install and remove, are prone to fouling, and do not fully support the primer during firing, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies in unloading and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A muzzle loading firearm design featuring a breech plug with interrupted, multistart threads or quick detachable locking lugs, and a fully supported primer pocket, allowing for faster and safer installation and removal, along with a frame that moves to open or close the breech face for improved access and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a finely threaded breech plug is used to secure the plug in place, then safety against hang fires is improved, but the number of turns required to remove and replace the plug increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The thread structure is segmented into multiple starts (2-5 starts), creating separate thread paths that allow the plug to be secured with fewer rotations. This segmentation maintains the fine thread pitch for reliability while reducing the total number of turns needed for installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection transitions from a static single-start design to a dynamic multi-start configuration that adapts the engagement length. The multi-start threads provide progressive engagement, allowing the plug to be securely fastened with fewer rotations while maintaining the safety benefits of fine threading.
2Reliability
If multiple rotations are required to remove the plug, then security is improved, but fouling clogs the threads requiring undesirably great torque to remove the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded structure is divided into multiple independent thread paths through the multi-start configuration. This segmentation reduces the cumulative effect of fouling on any single thread path, allowing the plug to be removed with less torque despite maintaining secure attachment through the combined engagement of multiple thread starts.
3Ease of operation
If the primer flange is spaced apart from the breech plug's rear face by extractor lip thickness, then extraction function is enabled, but the flange is unsupported presenting a risk of rupture when firing
Solution Approach 1:
The breech plug design incorporates a localized primer support structure that provides targeted reinforcement to the primer flange area. This local quality enhancement ensures the primer is fully supported during firing while maintaining the extractor lip configuration needed for proper primer extraction, resolving the conflict between extraction function and structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A muzzle loading firearm has a barrel with a bore on a bore axis, and has a muzzle end and a breech end. A frame is connected to the barrel, and has a breech face. The frame moves between an open position in which the breech face is away from the breech end of the barrel, and a closed position in which the breech face abuts the breech end of the barrel. A breech plug is removably attached to the barrel, and is connected to the barrel by way of interrupted, or multistart threads, or locking lugs. The breech plug may have a rear face that abuts the breech face when the frame is closed, so that a primer contained in a primer pocket in the rear of the breech plug is fully supported on all sides.