Not Applicable.
The present disclosure relates generally to mechanisms used to reduce and/or regulate and release energy, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to an energy regulation and release device that may be fixed or attached to a weapon or other energy generating and expelling device.
Conventionally, weapon signature reduction experts have focused upon the sciences of understanding and directing the transition of energy from a muzzle of a weapon into an unrestricted atmosphere (internal to external). This energy transition, together with its traditional and well-known signatures of flash, heat, and sound, can be described as instantaneous and violent. It is this violent transfer and transition of energy that creates a readily identifiable and detrimental weapons signature. The buffering of this transition via volume, torturous geometry, turbulence, and various media among many other techniques, can substantially and positively diminish signature, including a positive buffering, reduction or diminishment of flash, heat, and sound. However, these traditional solutions themselves create secondary adverse consequences in both weapon operation (rate of fire, liability, durability, blowback exposure), and undesirable physical attributes (excessive length and weight, limiting maneuverability of a weapon system).
The conventional art or common practices are thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the present disclosure. The present disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural features described herein.
The features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base, or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.
The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.
It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below.
As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
Applicants have discovered an energy regulation and release device and the following written description along with the accompanying drawings will provide detailed descriptions of the energy regulation and release device regarding fluid dynamic geometries of each engineered chamber individually and together as a single unit; correlations between specific geometries of volume and relationships in regards to retained pressures, exhaust timing, and thermodynamic distribution; multiple aspects regarding chamber continuity and communication with a common borderline and
preceding/proceeding chambering; metallurgic distribution techniques; aspects regarding unique bore line pressure evacuation and turbulence abatement and dissipation devices at the muzzle and throughout the device; chamber/pressure transition methodologies and geometries utilized throughout the device; counter recoil geometry, placement, and depressurization; and secondary device attachment point designs, and retention.
Applicants have created a unique muzzle solution capable of balancing signatures of flash and sound with practical and tactical concerns of length, recoil and modularity. The implemented technology includes an impressively capable base flash hider device (primary device) and a secondary enhancement attachment (secondary device) creating a dB reduction of less that 139 and flash of less than 1 lumen. The attachment interface is universal, capable of single handed operation as well as blank adaption and/or mission specific device capabilities/attachments.
Applicants' utilization of physics, specifically, fluid and thermal mechanics and dynamics applied in an End User/tactically advantageous manner, best describes Applicants' technical approach to discovering the disclosed embodiments. In combination with extensive weapon systems operation and signature reduction experience, considerations for metallurgic performance and volume/geometric adaptions combined to create extreme efficiencies in energy control, transfer and ultimate release. Thus creating impressive reductions in sound, flash and recoil while requiring limited volume and without inducing adverse weapon system function or Operator exposure to toxins.
The disclosed Energy Regulation and Release Device (ERD) may consist of two main components; a primary and permanently attached initial device intended to replace existing flash hiders and, a secondary quick detach device providing additional signature reduction capabilities. Both components may be laser sinter metal additive manufactured utilizing continuous 718 Inconel, as one example, although other metallurgic techniques may be utilized. The ERD's unique appearance and configuration may be the result of a physical volume design emphasis placed on the most efficient use of a weapon systems existing profile, thus maximizing capability with minimal overall weapon length increase. By design, the disclosed embodiments maximize available existing space/volume without interfering with the line of sight or operation of existing fielded accessories.
Functionally, the disclosed primary device 100 may measure only 0.58 inches longer than the conventional flash hiders, yet may eliminate 22 dB and 96% of flash. A secondary device 200 can be attached to the primary device 100.
As most objectives, weapons applications, End-User expectations/requirements are rarely identical, this design and technology allows the transitional geometry and volume to be extended over the barrel 12 of the weapon 10 to varying degrees or applied more forward of the barrel shoulder. This modular aspect in the placement of volume is possible by applying the degree of benefit of any given geometry or volume as it relates to a location and time in transition.
Additionally, the secondary device 200 with, a quick detachability, is similarly engineered to the primary device 100 and adds further modularity and effectiveness across all types of operational environments/requirements as needed rather than permanent additions of length and weight. Length increases are however profoundly reduced in comparison to traditional devices. As in the same manner described above with respect to the primary device 100, additional volume of the secondary device 200 may be directed and placed beneath the primary device (flash hider) rather than protruding entirely in front, extending overall weapons length. Uniquely, the primary device 100 and secondary device 200 may be configured in such a manner as to allow for the attachment of secondary devices of any physical dimensions and engineered to deliver any required capability and be utilized/compatible on many, possibly all, other flash hider devices universally.
Another significant benefit of creating a technology and device built solidly on physics is the inherent ability as such to accurately engineer scalable modifications and predict energy output relative to any degree of input. Specifically, this disclosed technology, both the primary device and the secondary device 200, may be scalable to function with equal efficiency and performance in most, if not all, calibers possibly without limitation.
The disclosed primary device 100 and secondary device 200 utilize chambered isolation in the individual placement, engineering, analysis, and efficiency of volume by applying the degree of benefit of any given geometry as it relates to a location and time in transition. For example, the each of the primary device 100 and secondary device 200 may have total surface areas and total volumes divided into 5 independently engineered chambers. If these volumes and surface areas remain in the designed and disclosed series, their volume position regarding the weapon 10 muzzle (behind or in front) is mostly irrelevant and may produce comparable results energy regulation results.
Referring not to
A primary regulation device 100 may be permanently fixed to the barrel 12 of the weapon 10, or may be removably attached to the weapon 10 via threaded engagement, or any other desire engagement mechanism.
The primary device may include a series of 5 chambers, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150, all communicating with a primary expansion chamber and bore line 118, and all positioned within an exterior housing 102. These chambers 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 can regulate the transfer of energy and the time event in which transfer, and release occurs. Restrictive geometries, such as fins or coils, may be formed within the chambers 110, 120, 130 and 140 in order to further regulate energy transfer and time to release.
Referring more specifically to
First chamber 110 is configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 110 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 116, best shown in
The degree of thermal conduction in a given chamber may be correlated with that chamber's surface area. By incorporating progressive rotation of surfaces within the path, exhaust timing can be managed to optimize the event duration. This maximizes energy transfer by keeping the expanding gasses in constant acceleration, transferring their energy to the device's internal structure. Each chamber has been adjusted or “tuned” to modify the duration of time required between entry and exit. As an example, the first chamber 110 has 225.6 cm2 of surface area.
The degree of thermal conduction in a given chamber is correlated with that chamber's volume and path length. A large volume with a short path length behaves very differently than that same volume with a long path length. In each chamber, paths are progressively rotated as well as folded and collapsed into a more compact space, compounding the performance of the chamber's volume. Specific fluid-dynamics and flow principles are implemented in the geometry of each chamber to alleviate inlet pressure and stagger the event time between each chamber so that no two chambers exhaust at the same time. The first chamber 110 may have 26.0 cm3 of volume and a path length of 34.4 cm.
Referring more specifically to
Second chamber 120 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 110 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 126, best shown in
Referring more specifically to
Third chamber 130 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 130 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 136, best shown in
Referring more specifically to
Fourth chamber 140 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 140 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 146, best shown in
Referring more specifically to
Fifth chamber 150 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As a portion of the energy passes through the chamber 150, the bullet 14 can freely pass through the bore line 158 of the chamber 150. The fifth chamber 150 may have a surface area of 147.6 cm2 and may have 16.4 cm3 of volume and a path length of 10.3 cm.
It can also be appreciated that the use of the primary device 100 may cause a weapon systems action, reliability and durability be to nearly entirely unaffected by the primary device 100, for example, less than 2% bolt velocity variance, may be typical and flash and smoke signatures may be reduced by 90%, and more than 24 Db reduction in sound, with less than 3 lumen of flash and little to no blowback.
Referring now to
The secondary device may include a series of 5 chambers, 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250, all communicating with a primary expansion chamber and bore line 218, and all positioned within an exterior housing 202. These chambers 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 can regulate the transfer of energy and the time event in which transfer, and release occurs. Restrictive geometries, such as fins or coils, may be formed within the chambers 210, 220, 230 and 240 in order to further regulate energy transfer and time to release.
Referring now more specifically to
First chamber 210 is configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 210 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 216, best shown in
The degree of thermal conduction in a given chamber may be correlated with that chamber's surface area. By incorporating progressive rotation of surfaces within the path, exhaust timing can be managed to optimize the event duration. This maximizes energy transfer by keeping the expanding gasses in constant acceleration, transferring their energy to the device's internal structure. Each chamber has been adjusted or “tuned” to modify the duration of time required between entry and exit. As an example, the first chamber 210 has 354.5 cm2 of surface area.
The degree of thermal conduction in a given chamber is correlated with that chamber's volume and path length. A large volume with a short path length behaves very differently than that same volume with a long path length. In each chamber, paths are progressively rotated as well as folded and collapsed into a more compact space, compounding the performance of the chamber's volume. Specific fluid-dynamics and flow principles are implemented in the geometry of each chamber to alleviate inlet pressure and stagger the event time between each chamber so that no two chambers exhaust at the same time. The first chamber 210 may have 40.2 cm3 of volume and a path length of 45.5 cm.
Referring now more specifically to
Second chamber 220 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 210 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 226, best shown in
Referring now more specifically to
Third chamber 230 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 230 the energy is further slowed and dissipated by coils 236, best shown in
Referring now more specifically to
Fourth chamber 240 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As the energy passes through the chamber 140 the energy is slowed and dissipated. As a portion of the energy passes through the chamber 240, the bullet 14 can freely pass through the chamber 240. The fourth chamber 240 may have a surface area of 56.1 cm2 and may have 6.9 cm3 of volume and a path length of 11.8 cm.
Referring now more specifically to
Fifth chamber 250 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the energy, such as light, sound, smoke, and heat, expelled by the weapon 10 when the bullet 14 is shot. As a portion of the energy passes through the chamber 250, the bullet 14 can freely pass through the bore line 258 of the chamber 250. The fifth chamber 250 may have a surface area of 55.1 cm2 and may have 53.3 cm3 of volume and a path length of 1.8 cm.
As shown in
In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as future included claims may reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment.
It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/395,862, filed Aug. 7, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced application is inconsistent with this application, this application supercedes said above-referenced application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63395862 | Aug 2022 | US |