Spring Detent End Cap for Firearm Suppressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firearm suppressor end caps are difficult to clean due to welding or permanent thread sealing, and threaded designs often loosen under vibration, preventing access to internal components for maintenance, with O-rings failing at high temperatures encountered during use.

Innovation Solution

A spring detent retained end cap assembly with a cylindrical body featuring a female threaded portion and notches, and an end cap with a male threaded portion and an elongated wire spring that biases a rounded detent radially into notches, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal for cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If end caps are welded to the suppressor body, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but ease of disassembly and cleaning is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend cap retention reliabilityVSAvoidease of disassembly for cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap assembly is segmented into multiple components: a retention ring with notches, a spring detent mechanism, and a separate end cap. This segmentation allows the end cap to be easily removed for cleaning while the retention ring remains secured to the suppressor body, resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and ease of disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A spring-biased detent acts as an intermediary between the end cap and the suppressor body. The detent engages with notches in the retention ring to provide secure retention during operation, but can be easily disengaged when needed for cleaning, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of strong retention and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If threaded end caps are used for easy removal, then ease of disassembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loosening under vibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidend cap retention under vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic spring-biased detent system. The spring allows the detent to flex and maintain engagement with the notches under vibrational loads, while still permitting easy manual removal when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between vibration resistance and ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration that would normally cause threaded end caps to loosen is converted into a beneficial effect where the spring detent mechanism uses the vibrational energy to maintain engagement with the notches, preventing loosening while preserving easy removability through the spring's flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If O-rings are used to seal the end cap, then ease of assembly and sealing is improved, but temperature resistance deteriorates above 400°F

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidmaximum service temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The design replaces the temperature-limited O-ring with a metal spring detent mechanism that can withstand high temperatures. While the spring detent requires precise manufacturing, it eliminates the need for temperature-sensitive sealing components, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and temperature resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If permanent thread sealant is applied to the end cap, then reliability of retention is improved, but ease of disassembly for cleaning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend cap retentionVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention function is segmented from the end cap itself and placed in the retention ring with notches. This allows the end cap to be freely removable for cleaning while the retention ring provides secure retention through the spring detent mechanism, eliminating the need for permanent sealants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution prevents end cap loosening and allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, enabling thorough cleaning and maintenance while withstanding higher temperatures than O-rings, ensuring reliable operation and sound performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring disposed within the end cap, wherein the spring biases a rounded detent radially from the end cap into at least one notch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring biasing: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9816773B1Spring detent retained end cap for a firearm suppressor

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 REIS GREEN AUSTIN

AI summary

A wire spring retained end cap for a firearm sound suppressor is provided. The discharge end of the firearm sound suppressor has a notched internal bore and a female threaded portion that receives a threaded male portion of the end cap. The threaded end cap has a channel and wire spring disposed within the channel. The wire spring biases a detent within one of the notches of the internal bore, thereby preventing the end cap from loosening during use of the firearm sound suppressor. The end cap is easily removed to clean or service the firearm sound suppressor.