Rifle Barrel Locking Wedge Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rifle barrel securing systems lack a reliable and efficient method for aligning and locking the barrel within the receiver, particularly during caliber changes or barrel replacements, which can lead to misalignment and instability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a barrel extension with internal threads and a locking wedge, where the locking wedge is slidably secured in the receiver by a threaded fastener, allowing for perpendicular movement to secure or release the barrel extension, utilizing a cam mechanism to align and seat the barrel within the receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional barrel securing system is used, then the barrel can be attached to the receiver, but the alignment and locking reliability is insufficient leading to misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel extension is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking surface for engagement, a cam surface for actuation, and a tapered portion for alignment. The locking wedge is segmented with a cam surface and blocking surface that interact separately with the barrel extension features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking wedge acts as an intermediary component between the threaded fastener and the barrel extension. It converts the rotational motion of the fastener into linear motion that drives the barrel extension into proper alignment and locking position within the receiver, ensuring reliable securing without complex mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the barrel extension is secured tightly to ensure stability, then alignment is improved, but the ease of release and repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static interference-fit design to a dynamic cam-actuated mechanism. The cam surface on the locking wedge creates a mechanical advantage that allows tight locking during firing while enabling easy release through simple fastener rotation. The tapered portion of the barrel extension provides gradual engagement that maintains stability yet allows controlled repositioning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engagement parameter from constant interference fit to variable cam-angle contact. During tightening, the cam surface progressively engages at different angles, transitioning the barrel extension from a loose to a tightly locked position. During release, reversing the fastener rotation reverses this progressive engagement, making release as easy as tightening.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the barrel extension is made removable for caliber changes, then adaptability is improved, but the alignment precision and securing strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered portion of the barrel extension and corresponding tapered aperture in the receiver perform preliminary alignment before final locking occurs. As the locking wedge is driven into position by the threaded fastener, the tapered surfaces guide the barrel extension into precise alignment automatically, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during caliber changes while ensuring manufacturing precision.
4Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and precision of barrel alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface on the locking wedge is asymmetrically shaped with specific angular geometry that converts simple rotational motion into precise linear displacement. This asymmetric cam profile ensures that a single rotation of the threaded fastener produces the exact amount of movement needed for precise barrel alignment and locking, maintaining measurement precision while preserving ease of operation.
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
This system ensures secure and precise alignment of the barrel within the receiver, facilitating easy caliber changes and barrel replacements while maintaining stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The locking wedge is slidably secured in an aperture in the receiver by a threaded fastener. The locking wedge is movable along an axis of the threaded fastener in a direction perpendicular to the barrel axis by rotating the threaded fastener.
Implementation Method 2
The locking wedge has a central aperture, a first side parallel to the central aperture, and a cam side opposite the first side and disposed at an angle relative to the first side. Tightening the threaded fastener causes the cam side of the locking wedge to urge the protuberance of the barrel extension along the barrel axis in a direction away from the muzzle end of the barrel and into the receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing a barrel to a receiver of a rifle includes a barrel extension and a locking wedge. The barrel extension receives threads on the barrel and has a protuberance. The locking wedge is secured in an aperture in the receiver by a fastener. The locking wedge has a side parallel to the aperture, and a cam side disposed at an angle. The locking wedge is movable in a direction perpendicular to the barrel axis. The cam side is disposed against the protuberance. Tightening the fastener causes the cam side of the locking wedge to urge the protuberance of the barrel extension along the barrel axis in a direction away from the muzzle end of the barrel into the receiver.