Quick-Coupling Barrel Retaining System for Rapid Firearm Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional barrel retaining systems in firearms 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 that uses a barrel nut configured to engage the rifle barrel independently of the receiver, allowing for tool-free barrel replacement and maintaining the original point of aim, with a dual or triple locking mechanism for secure attachment and reduced vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional threaded barrel retaining system is used, then the barrel can be securely attached to the receiver, but the barrel replacement process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming requiring specialized tools and partial disassembly of the handguard
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly is segmented into a barrel and a separate barrel extension that can be independently attached and detached. The barrel extension includes locking lugs that engage with corresponding slots in the receiver, allowing the barrel to be quickly swapped without tools while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel extension is extracted as a separate component from the barrel itself. This allows the barrel extension to remain attached to the receiver while enabling quick detachment of the barrel assembly for replacement, eliminating the need for tool-based threading operations.
2Reliability
If a threaded barrel nut system is used, then the barrel can be securely retained, but specialized tools such as barrel nut wrenches are required for barrel exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension incorporates self-latching features with locking lugs that automatically engage with slots in the receiver when the barrel assembly is inserted. This self-servicing mechanism eliminates the need for external tools like barrel nut wrenches to secure the barrel, while still providing reliable retention during firing.
3Ease of operation
If the handguard must be partially disassembled to access the barrel nut, then the barrel can be replaced, but the time required for barrel exchange increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension is extracted as a separate component that can be attached and detached without requiring disassembly of the handguard. The locking lugs on the barrel extension engage directly with slots in the receiver, providing access to the barrel replacement mechanism while the handguard remains assembled.
4Device complexity
If a simple threaded connection is used between barrel and receiver, then the structure is simple, but rapid barrel swapping under combat conditions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining system is segmented into discrete components: a barrel extension with locking lugs that engage with corresponding slots in the receiver. This segmentation allows for rapid barrel swapping under combat conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without complex threading operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A spring-loaded quick coupling barrel retaining system for a firearm. The firearm includes a receiver, a barrel nut, and barrel assembly rotatably mounted thereto. In one embodiment, the barrel assembly may include barrel locking lugs which rotatably engage and interlock with corresponding locking elements disposed on the barrel nut such as splines. The barrel assembly further includes a spring member forming a flexible interface with the barrel nut. The spring member self-tensions and tightens the lockup between the barrel assembly and barrel nut to promote a tight fit. Some embodiments may include a lock nut and a setting tool for adjusting the spring force to promote consistently proper lockup from one replacement barrel assembly to the next.