Tapered Muzzle Device Interface for Barrel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Muzzle devices often experience misalignment and fouling due to manufacturing tolerance stack-up, leading to reduced performance and accuracy in firearms, as well as difficulty in removal due to increased build-up of debris.
Innovation Solution
A tapered exterior surface on firearm barrels aligns with a tapered interior surface in muzzle devices, reducing the number of interfaces and tolerance stack-ups, allowing for tighter manufacturing tolerances and eliminating the need for secondary alignment components, while enabling reverse threading for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple interfaces (threads plus locating features) are used to attach the muzzle device, then the muzzle device can be securely retained and aligned, but the number of tolerance stack-ups increases causing bore misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retention function (threads) and alignment function (locating features) into a single tapered interface. This merger eliminates the need for separate locating features, reducing the number of interfaces from two to one, and thereby minimizing tolerance stack-ups that cause bore misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure retention through friction and mechanical interference, ensures precise alignment of the bores, and simplifies the attachment process. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate specialized features for each function.
2Reliability
If the bore of the muzzle device is made larger to provide clearance for tolerance stack-up, then bullet strike on the muzzle device is prevented, but firearm performance and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for excessive clearance by removing the source of the problem—multiple interfaces with accumulating tolerances. By using a single tapered interface with controlled tolerances, the muzzle device bore can be made as small as needed for optimal performance without risk of bullet strike.
3Reliability
If multiple interfaces are used for muzzle device attachment, then retention and alignment are achieved, but more locations are created for carbon and debris build-up making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the retention and alignment functions into a single tapered interface, the patent reduces the number of surfaces where carbon and debris can accumulate. Fewer interfaces mean fewer fouling locations, making the muzzle device easier to remove and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm barrel configured to attach to a muzzle device including a muzzle device bore and a tapered interior surface tapering from a first, wider portion at a proximal end of the muzzle device to a second, narrower portion away from the proximal end. The firearm barrel includes a barrel bore, a first, proximal end, a second, distal end, and a tapered exterior surface tapering from a first, wider portion to a second, narrower portion towards the distal end of the barrel, wherein the tapered exterior surface is configured to operably mate with the tapered interior surface of the muzzle device to optimize axial alignment of the barrel bore with the muzzle device bore.