Collapsible Muzzleloader Quick Loader with Integrated Funnel Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing muzzleloader quick loaders are cumbersome, prone to spilling propellant, and require separate funnels, making them difficult to use quickly and silently, especially with a muzzle brake installed.

Innovation Solution

A compact, collapsible quick loader with a propellant tube, main loader body, funnel valve, and funnel tube, allowing one-handed operation and guiding propellant directly into the muzzle without a separate funnel, while being compatible with muzzle brakes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cap is removed from the container to pour propellant into the barrel, then the propellant can be dispensed, but the propellant may spill during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant dispensingVSAvoidpropellant spill

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel is pre-inserted into the muzzle before the propellant is dispensed. This preliminary action ensures that the propellant has a guided path ready before it begins to flow, preventing spills that would occur if the cap were removed first and the funnel inserted afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel acts as an intermediary device between the propellant container and the barrel. It provides a controlled interface that guides the propellant flow, preventing direct pouring into the barrel which would cause spills, while also preventing propellant from escaping through the muzzle brake ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If a separate funnel is used to guide propellant into the bore, then propellant spill is reduced, but the reloading process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant spillVSAvoidreloading process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel is merged with the quick loader device itself, forming an integrated unit. The funnel is attached to the container so that the container and funnel become a single assembly, eliminating the need to handle them separately and reducing the number of steps in the reloading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick loader device serves multiple functions: it stores propellant, provides a funnel for guided dispensing, and can be quickly attached and detached. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools into a single device, simplifying the overall reloading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If propellant is poured quickly to reduce reload time, then reloading speed increases, but propellant spill increases due to human error and shakiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereloading speedVSAvoidpropellant spill

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel serves as a stable intermediary that channels propellant flow. Even when the user is shaky or moving quickly, the funnel provides a fixed guide that prevents the propellant from spilling, allowing fast pouring without the precision required for direct pouring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The funnel structure provides a pre-prepared pathway that cushions against pouring errors. By having the funnel in place beforehand, the system compensates for potential spills caused by user shakiness or haste, allowing faster operation without increasing spill risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Loss of substance

If a long funnel is used to guide propellant through muzzle brake ports, then propellant can be directed properly, but the device becomes bulky and cumbersome to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropellant direction controlVSAvoidfunnel bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel is combined with the propellant container in a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need to carry a separate funnel, reducing the total weight and bulk of equipment needed, while still providing the necessary length to reach through muzzle brake ports when the container is positioned at the muzzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12339096B2Apparatus for storing and dispensing propellant, a bullet, and a primer for a muzzleloader

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 CEDAR MOUNTAIN PROD LLC

AI summary

A quick loader includes a propellant tube, a main loader body, a funnel valve, and a funnel tube. The funnel valve features a channel that connects the main loader body to the funnel tube, allowing propellant to flow therethrough when open. The funnel valve is coupled to the main loader body by a hinge on a metal pin that enables free rotation around a fixed axis. The funnel valve further features a gasket that covers an outlet of the main loader body when not in use and prevents water from entering the propellant tube. In some embodiments, the quick loader further includes a bullet compartment and a primer holder, configured respectively to hold a bullet and a primer that are accessible with one hand for quick and silent use in the field.