Triangular Firearm Bore Cleaning Patch with Pleating Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interior of firearm bores accumulates debris, which affects projectile velocity and accuracy, and existing cleaning methods risk damaging the rifling lands due to limited access and potential for excessive material removal.
Innovation Solution
A triangular bore cleaning patch with notches and openings that pleats uniformly to provide consistent friction and pressure for effective debris removal without becoming stuck, made from various materials and potentially embedded with abrasives or lubricants, designed to be used with a jag or bore brush.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a patch fits tightly inside the bore to clean effectively, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but the patch may become lodged in the bore and damage the bore interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is made from flexible material that can deform and conform to the bore interior surface, allowing it to fit tightly for effective cleaning while maintaining flexibility to be drawn through without becoming permanently lodged. The flexible nature enables the patch to navigate the rifling lands without causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch transitions from a static flat configuration to a dynamic pleated configuration when drawn through the bore. The pleating creates friction and pressure contact with the bore interior for effective cleaning, while the dynamic deformation allows the patch to flex and adapt to the bore geometry, preventing it from becoming stuck.
2Ease of operation
If a patch fits loosely inside the bore to avoid becoming stuck, then the risk of lodging is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material allows the patch to maintain a loose overall fit that prevents lodging, while still conforming to the bore surface to provide effective cleaning contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch dynamically adjusts its configuration during use - remaining relatively loose during insertion and removal, then forming pleated contact layers against the bore interior during the cleaning stroke to maximize cleaning effectiveness.
3Area of stationary object
If the patch presents a large cleaning area to cover the bore circumference, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the patch may become stuck in the bore
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into multiple pleated layers that segment the cleaning function along the length of the bore. Each pleated layer provides cleaning contact over a portion of the bore circumference, collectively covering the entire bore while distributing the contact pressure to prevent lodging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration to a three-dimensional pleated structure when used. This dimensional change allows the patch to present cleaning surface area along the longitudinal dimension of the bore, increasing effective cleaning coverage while the pleated structure maintains flexibility to prevent lodging.
4Productivity
If the patch creates sufficient pressure to clean debris effectively, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the patch may become stuck inside the bore
Solution Approach 1:
The patch dynamically adjusts pressure distribution through pleating - creating localized high pressure zones for effective debris removal while maintaining overall flexibility to prevent becoming stuck. The pleated structure allows pressure to be applied intermittently along the bore length rather than continuously, reducing sticking risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material allows the patch to conform to the bore interior and create friction-based cleaning pressure without rigid contact that would cause sticking. The flexibility enables the patch to yield to bore irregularities and rifling lands, maintaining cleaning pressure while avoiding lodging.
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 patch effectively cleans the bore circumference and length, maintaining firearm accuracy and performance while minimizing the risk of damage, with the triangular shape and pleating mechanism ensuring even contact and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
As a user draws a patch through the bore, friction between the patch and bore interior surface causes debris to adhere to the patch, which carries it away.
Data Source
AI summary
A planar triangular patch for cleaning firearm bores. The patch has similarly sized notches placed centrally along the edges of the patch, permitting a level of pleating as the patch is inserted into a firearm bore and wraps around a jag. The patch is made of a material design to clean and preserve the interior of a firearm bore and applies uniform pressure against the bore as it presents the face of its longest radius to the bore interior, cleaning the entire bore simultaneously.