Triangular Firearm Bore Cleaning Patches with Notches

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Solution Overview

Problem

The interior of firearm bores accumulates debris, which affects velocity and accuracy, and existing cleaning methods face challenges in evenly cleaning the bore circumference without damaging the rifling or becoming stuck.

Innovation Solution

A triangular, isosceles bore cleaning patch with notches and holes that pleats uniformly to provide consistent friction and pressure, made from various materials, including animal, plant, and synthetic fibers, embedded with abrasives and lubricants, designed to be used with a jag or bore brush for effective debris removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a patch is made to fit tightly inside the bore to clean sufficiently, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the patch may become lodged in the bore and damage the bore interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidbore damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patch uses a triangular shape with specific geometric parameters (equal sides, apex angle) that create optimal friction and pressure distribution. This geometric parameter change allows the patch to clean effectively while preventing it from becoming lodged in the bore

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patch applies different pressures to different areas of the bore through its triangular geometry and pleating structure. The apex concentrates cleaning action at specific locations while the broader base provides distributed pressure, creating localized quality variations that improve cleaning without causing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a patch is made to fit loosely inside the bore to avoid becoming lodged, then safety is improved, but cleaning effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebore damage riskVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The triangular shape with specific apex angles creates optimal friction parameters that maintain sufficient grip for effective cleaning while preventing the patch from becoming stuck. The geometric parameters are specifically designed to balance these competing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If a patch is made rectangular or square to maximize area, then cleaning area is improved, but uniform folding and even cleaning distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatch cleaning areaVSAvoiduniform folding consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The triangular shape introduces asymmetry that actually improves uniformity in folding behavior. The converging sides and apex create a natural folding pattern that distributes the patch material evenly around the bore circumference, unlike symmetric rectangular or square patches that fold irregularly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Productivity

If excessive material is removed from the bore to clean accretions, then debris removal is improved, but bore diameter increases and may lead to casing rupture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris removal efficiencyVSAvoidbore diameter increase

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces aggressive mechanical scraping with a friction-based cleaning mechanism. The patch uses controlled friction between its material and the bore surface to remove debris, substituting a gentler mechanical action that cleans effectively without removing excessive material or altering bore dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ensures even cleaning of the bore circumference, prevents damage to the rifling, and effectively removes debris without becoming stuck, maintaining firearm performance and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

friction between the patch and bore interior surface causes debris to adhere to the patch, which carries it away

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2326907B1Firearm barrel cleaning patches

Publication Date: 2013.01.09 SMITH SHANE

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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 uniform 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.