Suppressor With Integral Flash Hider Reducing Gas Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearms face challenges in reducing both audible and visible signatures during discharge, with traditional suppressors often causing localized high-pressure gas buildup, leading to gas backflow into the rifle's receiver, especially in semi-automatic and automatic rifles.
Innovation Solution
A suppressor design with an integral flash hider that includes an inner and outer chamber, where gases are directed through a tortuous path via baffles and diffusers, reducing gas backflow and pressure buildup by venting gases through multiple pathways, thereby minimizing the audible and visible signatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional suppressor is used to reduce audible noise, then sound suppression is improved, but gas backflow into the receiver increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with separate gas flow paths. Each chamber contains baffles that create independent tortuous paths, segmenting the gas flow to prevent pressure buildup and backflow while maintaining sound suppression across different frequency ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension to gas flow by creating both axial and radial flow paths through the chambers. Gas flows not only lengthwise through the suppressor but also radially outward through port openings, adding a dimensional aspect to pressure relief that reduces backflow while maintaining suppression effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a suppressor is used to reduce audible report, then sound suppression is improved, but visible flash increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor divides the gas expansion process into multiple staged chambers, each with its own flash suppression features. The first chamber handles initial high-pressure expansion, while subsequent chambers progressively reduce temperature and pressure, preventing concentrated flash while maintaining sound suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ambient air as an intermediary substance that mixes with hot propellant gases in the chambers. This cooling mixture reduces the temperature and pressure of exhaust gases, suppressing visible flash while the extended tortuous paths maintain sound attenuation
3Device complexity
If gases are contained in a single chamber suppressor, then structural simplicity is maintained, but localized high-pressure buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor is segmented into multiple chambers separated by bulkheads with port openings, distributing gas pressure across multiple volumes rather than concentrating it in a single chamber. This segmentation prevents localized high-pressure buildup while maintaining a relatively simple cylindrical structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different chambers have different local characteristics optimized for specific functions: the first chamber handles initial high-pressure expansion with radial flow paths, while subsequent chambers progressively reduce pressure with axial flow paths, creating localized pressure management zones
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 suppressor effectively reduces audible noise and visible flash by dissipating energy and directing gases through a sinuous path, minimizing backflow into the firearm's receiver, thus enhancing both sound suppression and flash reduction.
Implementation Method 1
gases are directed through a tortuous path via baffles and diffusers, reducing gas backflow and pressure buildup
Implementation Method 2
dissipating energy and directing gases through a sinuous path
Implementation Method 3
venting gases through multiple pathways, thereby minimizing the audible and visible signatures
Implementation Method 4
A flash hider controls the expansion of gases leaving the barrel for the purpose of reducing visible flash
Implementation Method 5
Suppressors are a muzzle accessory that reduces the audible report of the firearm by slowing the expansion and release of pressurized gases from the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A suppressor for a firearm includes a baffle stack having an outer surface, the baffle stack comprising a plurality of baffles that define an inner chamber coaxially aligned with a central axis of the baffle stack and a projectile pathway through the baffle stack along the central axis. An outer housing is around the baffle stack and has an inner surface separated from and confronting the outer surface of the baffle stack. An outer chamber is defined between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the baffle stack. Flow-directing structures are in the outer chamber. An end cap is connected to a distal end of the outer housing and defines a central opening aligned with the central axis.