Tapered Barrel Guide Geometry for Consistent Firearm Zero
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing variance and tolerance stacking in short recoil operated firearms result in accuracy variations due to shifting barrel starting positions, affecting the alignment between the barrel and sight devices.
Innovation Solution
Employing a tapered guide face on the barrel guide and/or a tapered barrel face to realign the barrel relative to the sight device, ensuring consistent alignment and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If clearance and tolerance are allowed between the barrel guide and the barrel for free movement, then the barrel can move freely during recoil operation, but the starting position or zero of the barrel shifts slightly between each shot, reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from a traditional flat guide face to a tapered guide face on the barrel guide. The tapered surface has a specific angle (e.g., 1-5 degrees) relative to the barrel axis, which changes the geometric parameters of the contact surface. This taper allows the barrel to self-align during recoil while maintaining a consistent starting position, thereby resolving the contradiction between free movement and positional consistency.
2Measurement precision
If manufacturing variance and tolerance stacking are reduced to maintain consistent barrel position, then accuracy improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the guide face from flat to tapered geometry, the patent reduces the sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. The taper angle becomes the dominant parameter that controls barrel alignment, allowing for more relaxed tolerance stacking in other dimensions while maintaining consistent barrel starting position and improving accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a tapered guide face is implemented to realign the barrel, then barrel alignment consistency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the specific contact surface (guide face) of the barrel guide while leaving the rest of the mechanism unchanged. The taper is applied locally to the guide face that contacts the barrel, providing the necessary alignment function without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire firearm system.
Data Source
AI summary
A recoil operated gun or firearm utilizes a tapered guide face on a barrel guide and/or a tapered barrel face on a barrel of the gun to realign or zero the barrel relative to a sight device (e.g., optic or iron signs) mounted on the slide or forend supporting the barrel guide.