Firearm Silencer Gas Flow Segmentation and Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm silencers face issues with overpressure and temperature buildup, leading to material degradation, increased recoil, and malfunctions due to high rates of fire, particularly in automatic weapons, and current solutions are complex and not effectively simple to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A noise reduction device that separates gases into a main flow and secondary flows, using a distribution and slowing system with metallic components and air intake vents to slow down secondary flows, which reduces noise and recoil, and incorporates a bimetallic strip for temperature-controlled vent opening to manage overpressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a silencer is used to reduce noise and recoil, then sound reduction is improved, but overpressure and temperature buildup occur due to high rates of fire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and recoilVSAvoidtemperature buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer divides the gas flow into two separate paths: a central channel for the main gas flow and peripheral channels for secondary gas flows. This segmentation allows heat and pressure to be distributed across multiple pathways, reducing temperature buildup and overpressure in any single region while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary cooling mechanism where external air is drawn through cooling channels that surround the central gas flow path. This external air acts as a heat sink, absorbing excess heat from the propellant gases before they exit the silencer, thereby reducing temperature buildup without compromising the noise reduction function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a silencer is used to reduce noise and recoil, then sound reduction is improved, but material degradation occurs due to high temperature and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and recoilVSAvoidmaterial degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer structure is segmented into multiple independent flow channels with separate wall structures. This segmentation distributes the thermal and pressure loads across multiple surfaces, preventing concentration of stress and heat in any single location, thereby reducing material degradation and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling channels act as an intermediary protective layer between the hot propellant gases and the silencer's structural materials. By introducing cooler external air through these channels, the temperature exposure of the structural materials is significantly reduced, preventing thermal degradation and maintaining material strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a silencer is used to reduce noise and recoil, then sound reduction is improved, but device complexity increases with multiple parts and connecting rings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and recoilVSAvoidmultiple parts and connecting rings
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the noise reduction function with the cooling function into a single integrated structure. The same peripheral channels that reduce noise by diverting gas flows also serve as cooling passages for heat dissipation. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling components and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The silencer design implements multi-functionality where the gas distribution system simultaneously performs noise reduction and heat management functions. The peripheral flow channels serve dual purposes: diverting propellant gases to reduce muzzle blast noise and providing pathways for cooling air circulation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

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

The device significantly reduces noise and recoil, is simpler to manufacture, and effectively manages overpressure and temperature, enhancing the primary function of sound reduction and blast elimination.

Implementation Method 1

whose opening is controlled when a temperature threshold value is reached

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

provide a significant drop in overpressures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOverpressure relief:

Implementation Method 3

the gases coming from the weapon enter the combustion chamber and separate into several flows, a main flow propagating in the central part and at least one flow secondary entering an annular cylindrical casing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow separation:

Implementation Method 4

the secondary flow(s) being further slowed down in their progression from upstream to downstream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow friction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

slowing down elements arranged around the part central

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDrag: Drag

Implementation Method 6

generate according to the invention a significant reduction in noise and blast when firing and exiting the projectile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNoise reduction:

Implementation Method 7

very greatly reduces, or even eliminates the blast effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBlast elimination:

Implementation Method 8

contributes greatly to reducing the recoil of the weapon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRecoil reduction:

Data Source

PatentEP3489613B1Noise reducing device for a firearm
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 DELTAFLUID
  • EP3489613B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3489613B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A noise reduction device comprising a gas expansion chamber (11) and a cylindrical central portion (2) communicating upstream with the expansion chamber and opening downstream to the outside, characterized in that it includes means for distributing and slowing down the gas flow from the expansion chamber (11), said means being arranged around the central portion (2) by communicating with the expansion chamber (11) and opening to the outside, and being intended to divert a portion of the gases from the combustion chamber to generate a main flow circulating in the central portion and at least one secondary flow circulating in a separate volume formed around the central portion. The device provides a significant reduction in noise and a decrease in weapon recoil.