Firearm Muzzle Attachment Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm attachment systems, such as muzzle breaks, lack an efficient and secure mechanism to attach accessories while effectively directing propellant gases away from the shooter, particularly in reducing recoil and muzzle rise.
Innovation Solution
A muzzle attachment system featuring a lock mechanism with a spring-biased pivoting lever that engages a recess on the firearm barrel, resisting rotation and ensuring proper alignment of vents to direct propellant gases transversely, thereby reducing recoil and muzzle rise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded attachment system is used to attach muzzle attachments to a firearm, then the accessory can be secured to the barrel, but the system lacks effective indexing to ensure proper alignment of vents for directing propellant gases away from the shooter
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism automatically indexes the muzzle attachment to the firearm barrel through its geometric design. As the lock engages with the recess, its shape and orientation automatically align the vents in the correct position relative to the barrel, eliminating the need for manual alignment or adjustment by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock acts as an intermediary component between the threaded attachment system and the muzzle attachment. It provides the indexing function that the threads alone cannot achieve, ensuring proper vent alignment while maintaining the secure attachment provided by the threading mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to resist rotation and ensure proper indexing of the muzzle attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two functions into a single integrated lock mechanism: (1) providing rotation resistance to secure the muzzle attachment, and (2) indexing the attachment to ensure proper vent alignment. This combination achieves both objectives without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism transitions from an engaged state (providing rotation resistance) to a disengaged state (allowing removal), enabling dynamic control of the attachment. The spring-loaded design allows the lock to be compressed during installation and automatically engages when the attachment is properly positioned, providing adaptive securing.
3Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is spring-biased to automatically engage, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased lock mechanism operates in periodic cycles: during installation, the user compresses the spring to disengage the lock, threads the attachment into place, and releases the spring which then automatically engages the lock to secure the attachment. This periodic engagement/disengagement cycle simplifies operation while using a relatively simple spring-loaded design.
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 system securely attaches muzzle attachments like compensators, ensuring they are indexed correctly to vent propellant gases away from the shooter, effectively reducing recoil and muzzle rise during discharge.
Implementation Method 1
A muzzle attachment system featuring a lock mechanism with a spring-biased pivoting lever that engages a recess on the firearm barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for attaching a muzzle attachment to a firearm. The muzzle attachment has an attachment body that is defined by an inner surface having a bore along the central axis of the muzzle attachment. The attachment body may include a threaded portion extending a length along the inner surface configured to engage a threaded portion of the firearm. The attachment body includes a lock that is configurable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the lock is configured to securely engage a recess of the firearm. By threading the muzzle attachment onto the firearm and engaging the lock with the recess, the muzzle attachment system resists removal of the muzzle attachment from the firearm. The muzzle attachment may include vents. The muzzle attachment system preferably is indexed relative to the firearm for proper operation of the muzzle attachment during engagement of the lock.