Rotary Coupling Mechanism for Rapid Gun Barrel Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gun barrel cleaning apparatuses require significant time to replace worn-out cleaning means like brushes or non-woven fabrics, making them unsuitable for rapid cleaning.

Innovation Solution

An automatic cleaning apparatus with a rotating cleaning unit featuring an internal gear section, connector section, cleaning section, engaging section, and fastening section, allowing for fast detachable and replaceable brushes or non-woven fabrics using a rotary fitting structure and elastic springs for maintaining cleaning force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning means (brushes or non-woven fabrics) are attached to the cleaning unit, then cleaning function is provided, but replacement time is long due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning functionVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning unit is divided into separable components: the cleaning means (brushes or non-woven fabrics) can be detached from the cleaning unit body. This segmentation allows the cleaning means to be replaced independently without replacing the entire cleaning unit, thereby reducing replacement time while maintaining cleaning function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rotary coupling mechanism is introduced between the cleaning means and the cleaning unit body, allowing dynamic attachment and detachment. The cleaning means can be quickly rotated and coupled or decoupled from the cleaning unit, enabling rapid replacement compared to static conventional attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If cleaning means are frequently replaced due to wear, then cleaning effectiveness is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning means are designed with a predetermined coupling structure that allows for quick attachment and detachment. Before replacement is needed, the new cleaning means can be pre-prepared with the coupling mechanism, enabling immediate installation without complex assembly procedures, thus maintaining cleaning effectiveness while minimizing downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The worn cleaning means are quickly discarded through the rotary detachment mechanism, and new cleaning means are immediately installed. This efficient discarding and recovering process maintains cleaning effectiveness without significantly impacting operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Loss of time

If a detachable cleaning unit is used, then replacement speed is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling and decoupling functions are merged into a single rotary mechanism. By combining these functions in one motion, the structure remains relatively simple while achieving fast replacement. The rotary mechanism integrates the attachment and detachment operations, avoiding the need for separate complex coupling and decoupling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the attachment interface, enables quick detachment, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity while achieving fast replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates quick and damage-free replacement of cleaning elements, ensuring a strong cleaning force and efficient cleaning of gun barrels without the need for conventional bolting, thus enabling rapid maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (360) resiliently pushing out the cleaning section (400) towards the inner surface of the gun barrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3690382B1Automatic muzzle cleaning apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 SOOSUNG MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3690382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3690382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An automatic cleaning apparatus for a gun barrel is provided. The apparatus includes a cleaning unit rotating in contact with an inner surface of a gun barrel while moving along the inner surface. The cleaning unit includes an internal gear section having mounting recesses disposed along an outer circumference thereof, a connector section inserted into the mounting recess, a cleaning section detachably coupled to the connector section, a fastening section coupled to the internal gear section, and an engaging section having a first part rotatably coupled to the internal gear section and a second part rotatable about the first part so as to open or close a front side of the connector section depending on a rotary direction of the second part.