Rapid Adjust Muzzle System Tool-Free Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms systems lack the ability to quickly switch between different muzzle device configurations, such as flash suppressors, without special tools, and suffer from inefficient installation and removal processes for blank firing attachments and sound suppressors, leading to compromised performance and operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
The Rapid Adjust Muzzle System (RAMS) allows for quick and tool-free switching between various muzzle devices, including flash suppressors and sound suppressors, using a barrel adaptor with a flange, flat spring, and locking tabs, enabling easy attachment and detachment of muzzle devices without the need for special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded stem BFA design is used that is hand-tightened to a flash suppressor, then installation is possible without special tools, but installation and removal is time consuming and the BFA vibrates loose during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The BFA is segmented into a body portion and a base portion with distinct functions. The base portion contains a recessed portion that receives a press-fit insert, separating the attachment mechanism from the main body. This segmentation allows for rapid tool-free installation while maintaining secure attachment during firing.
Solution Approach 2:
A press-fit insert acts as an intermediary element between the BFA base portion and the flash suppressor. This insert provides a secure friction-fit connection that prevents vibration loosening while allowing tool-free installation. The insert mediates between the need for quick attachment and secure retention.
2Ease of operation
If a threaded stem BFA design is used that is hand-tightened to a flash suppressor, then installation is possible, but the BFA vibrates loose during firing requiring periodic retightening
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion in the BFA base portion is designed to receive and cushion the press-fit insert before final attachment. This pre-positioning ensures proper alignment and secure fit from the beginning, preventing vibration loosening during firing without requiring periodic retightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism changes from threaded connection to press-fit friction connection. This parameter change in the connection method provides sufficient holding force to prevent vibration loosening while maintaining tool-free installation capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard flash suppressor configurations are used that are not meant to be removed, then barrel production is simplified, but soldiers are restricted to a single configuration regardless of fighting environment
Solution Approach 1:
The flash suppressor is designed with universal adaptability to receive multiple types of muzzle devices including BFAs, sound suppressors, and different flash suppressor configurations. This multi-functionality allows soldiers to adapt to different fighting environments while maintaining simplified barrel production with a standard threaded muzzle interface.
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
Enables mission-specific or environment-specific configuration of muzzle devices, ensuring consistent performance and reducing operational burdens by allowing rapid changes between open-end and closed-end flash suppressors, secure mounting of blank firing attachments, and easy installation/removal of sound suppressors, enhancing modularity and reducing vibration issues during firing.
Implementation Method 1
a flat spring attached to a lower side of the flange; a stop disposed in the hole in the flange and extending above an upper side of the flange, the flat spring being operable to resist movement of the stop towards the lower side of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A gun barrel adaptor includes a body having a central bore therethrough and including a flange, the flange having a hole therethrough, the body having a lower side on one side of the flange and an upper side on another side of the flange; a flat spring attached to a lower side of the flange; a stop disposed in the hole in the flange and extending above an upper side of the flange, the flat spring being operable to resist movement of the stop towards the lower side of the body; and at least one locking tab disposed on the upper side of the body. The gun barrel adaptor provides for quick change modularity of muzzle devices without the use of any special tools.