Firearm Suppressor Secondary Retention System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm suppressors tend to loosen over time due to high temperature and pressure propellant gases, leading to potential misalignment and increased risk of 'baffle strike,' which can endanger the shooter or bystanders and damage the suppressor.
Innovation Solution
A firearm suppressor design featuring a secondary retention system with a compressible annulus in an annular groove, providing a robust and secure connection between the suppressor and the firearm barrel muzzle, maintaining colinear bore alignment and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threaded connection is used to attach the suppressor to the firearm muzzle, then the suppressor can be easily installed and removed, but the suppressor tends to loosen over time due to high temperature and pressure propellant gases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent segments: a threaded connection for easy installation/removal and a secondary retention system with a compressible annulus in an annular groove for maintaining retention reliability. The threaded portion allows manual attachment while the secondary system prevents loosening during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A compressible annulus acts as an intermediary element between the suppressor body and the firearm muzzle. This annulus is positioned in an annular groove and provides a sealing and retaining function that prevents the suppressor from loosening due to gas pressure while allowing the threaded connection to remain accessible for installation and removal.
2Weight of moving object
If the suppressor is made lightweight, then the moment of inertia is reduced improving target acquisition speed, but the suppressor may be more susceptible to loosening from recoil forces
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible annulus changes its physical parameter (compression state) in response to recoil forces. During normal operation, the annulus maintains a relaxed state providing retention. During recoil, the annulus compresses to absorb the shock load, preventing the lightweight suppressor from loosening while maintaining overall system lightness.
3Reliability
If thread locker liquid or PTFE tape is applied to the threaded connection, then the suppressor retention is improved, but the threading becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance problem is extracted from the threaded connection by placing the compressible annulus in a separate annular groove. This separates the retention function from the threaded interface, allowing the threading to remain clean and maintainable while the annulus provides the retention reliability that would otherwise require thread locker or tape.
4Reliability
If welding is used to permanently attach the suppressor to the barrel muzzle, then retention reliability is maximized, but the suppressor cannot be removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system transitions from a static welded connection to a dynamic system where the compressible annulus can adjust its state. The annulus allows the suppressor to be firmly retained during operation (providing welding-like reliability) while remaining removable when needed, as the annulus can be compressed during installation and releases during removal.
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 secondary retention system ensures a durable and lightweight suppressor attachment that remains securely locked during firearm cycling, minimizing the risk of misalignment and damage, while requiring infrequent replacement of the compressible annulus.
Implementation Method 1
A firearm suppressor design featuring a secondary retention system with a compressible annulus in an annular groove, providing a robust and secure connection
Implementation Method 2
The secondary retention system ensures a durable and lightweight suppressor attachment that remains securely locked during firearm cycling
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm suppressor is provided, including a tubular core, a baffle carried within the core, and a tubular mount. The core may be integral with the mount, attached end-to-end to the mount, or connected to the mount such that the mount is rotationally locked relative to the core but movable axially. The firearm suppressor further includes an inner attachment threading and/or an outer attachment threading at its upstream end for connecting the firearm suppressor to threads of a firearm barrel muzzle or indirect attachment device. The firearm suppressor includes at least one recessed groove annular to a perimeter of either the inner surface of the tubular mount between the upstream and downstream ends of the inner attachment threading or the outer surface of the tubular mount between upstream and downstream ends of the outer attachment threading, and at least one compressible annulus residing within the at least one recessed groove.