Quick-Change Barrel Retaining System for Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barrel retaining systems in firearms, particularly in semi-automatic and automatic rifles, are cumbersome and time-consuming for rapid barrel swapping, especially under combat conditions, due to the need for specialized tools and partial disassembly of the handguard, and do not allow for quick change without affecting the point of aim.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change barrel retaining system where a barrel nut is configured to engage the rifle barrel independently of the receiver, remaining attached and stationary during barrel changes, allowing for tool-free, rapid swapping without re-sighting, and incorporating a dual or triple locking mechanism for enhanced security and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional barrel nut retaining system is used, then the barrel is securely locked to the receiver, but the barrel swapping process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring specialized tools and partial handguard disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly is segmented into a barrel, barrel extension, and handguard that can be quickly separated. The barrel extension includes external splines that engage with internal splines in the barrel nut, allowing the barrel to be detached as a complete assembly from the receiver without disassembling the handguard or using specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension acts as an intermediary component between the barrel and the barrel nut. It features external splines that mate with internal splines in the barrel nut, providing a quick-connect interface that eliminates the need for threaded barrel nuts and specialized wrenches, thereby reducing barrel swapping time while maintaining secure attachment.
2Strength
If a threaded barrel nut connection is used, then the barrel is firmly secured to the receiver, but the system requires specialized tools and torque preload for proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a spline-based engagement system. The external splines on the barrel extension mate with internal splines in the barrel nut, providing a secure mechanical connection that does not require threading operations, specialized torque wrenches, or complex installation procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the barrel nut is removed for barrel replacement, then the barrel can be swapped, but the point of aim changes requiring re-sighting
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension is pre-configured with external splines that precisely mate with the internal splines in the barrel nut. This preliminary precision engineering ensures that when the barrel assembly is quickly detached and reattached, it returns to the exact same angular orientation and point of aim, eliminating the need for re-sighting while maintaining full barrel replacement capability.
4Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used, then the structure is simple, but the system does not allow for rapid barrel swapping under combat conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel retaining system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic quick-connect mechanism. The spline-based engagement allows the barrel assembly to be rapidly inserted and locked into place through simple rotational motion, dramatically increasing barrel swapping speed while adding minimal complexity to the overall system structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A firearm with barrel interlock system for a rotary mounted quick coupling barrel assembly. In one embodiment, the firearm includes a receiver and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. A bolt carrier supporting a bolt is slidably disposed in the receiver and axially movable into and out of battery with the barrel assembly. The barrel interlock system may include a first barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the barrel assembly and a mating second barrel anti-rotation locking element disposed on the bolt carrier that is engageable with the first element. When mutually engaged, the first and second locking elements form a meshed relationship and prevent rotation and removal of the barrel assembly from the receiver. In some non-limiting embodiments, the locking elements may be in the form of a protrusion and complementary shaped recess.