Patent Application
20250207883
The present invention belongs to the technical field of sound reducers or silencers. Sound reducers are designed to reduce the noise generated by pressurized gas expansion. In particular, they aim to reduce the noise induced by the high energy release produced by the expansion of pressurized gases at the outlet opening of a duct through which the pressurized gases are expelled.
The operation of a sound reducer consists in the controlled expansion of the gases inside the sound reducer. Gas expansion inside the sound reducer is designed to slow down the propagation speed of pressurized gases and homogenize their flow before they are released into the atmosphere through the duct outlet opening.
The invention relates, in particular but not exclusively, to silencers for exhaust gases and to suppressors or silencers for firearms or gas guns.
The invention also relates to a hybrid device for a fire or gas weapon, the function of which is to reduce the noise generated by the weapon and to reduce the recoil of the weapon induced by the propulsion of gases out of the barrel.
Prior art sound reducers consist of cup or flexible lamella systems. We also know of sound reducers with fibrous fillings such as metal wool, glass wool or rock wool.
The main problems with prior art sound reducers are:
Also known from the prior art are recoil reducers with radial or inclined vents or bearing surfaces.
The main problem with prior-art recoil reducers is that they cause a significant increase, on the order of +15 decibels (dB), in the noise impact induced by the expansion of gases out of the barrel.
The present invention aims to overcome, at least in part, the disadvantages of prior art devices.
A further aim of the invention is to provide a sound reducer:
For this purpose, a sound reducer is proposed, called reducer, comprising an inlet opening for gases, said gases being intended to propagate in the sound reducer. The sound reducer further comprises a gas expansion chamber and a channel communicating with said expansion chamber. The channel extends along an axis, called the channel axis, preferably an axis of revolution of the channel, from the expansion chamber to an outlet opening where gases exit the reducer. An axis of revolution of the inlet opening of the reducer and an axis of revolution of the outlet opening of the reducer are perpendicular to a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of the channel.
The reducer also includes a zone for absorbing a sound wave generated by the gases. The absorption zone at least partly envelops the channel and/or completely surrounds the channel and/or extends radially beyond or from the channel. The sound wave absorption zone comprises, at least in part, and/or is constituted, at least in part, preferably entirely, by a one-piece architectured material. The absorption zone and/or the channel are arranged such that a portion of the gases flow from the channel through the architectured material to an outer wall of the architectured material delimiting the absorption region.
According to the invention, any plane perpendicular to the channel axis can be called or referred to as a “normal plane”. A normal plane is any plane perpendicular to the channel axis which preferably intersects the reducer and/or the channel axis. Also, according to the invention, it can be considered that the reducer comprises a set of normal planes each having a different point of intersection with the channel axis.
Preferably, at least part of the one-piece architectured material, even more preferably at least part, and still more preferably all of the absorption zone, is porous.
The absorption zone can be understood as the absorption area.
According to the invention, a channel can be understood as a conduit.
According to the invention, an opening can be taken to mean a cavity or orifice.
A gas inlet opening and a gas outlet opening can be taken to mean a sound reducer inlet opening and a gas outlet opening.
Preferably, at least part of the gases flow through the channel, preferably from the gas inlet opening to the gas outlet opening.
Preferably, the sound reducer is monobloc and/or one-piece and/or does not comprise assembled or assemblable sub-parts. Preferably, the sound reducer is, even more preferably integrally or entirely, constituted or formed by the architectured material. Preferably, the sound reducer does not comprise any part that can be separated and/or disassembled or disassociated from the sound reducer. Even more preferably, the sound reducer is made of the same and/or a single material. Preferably, these features have the effect, among other things, of improving the mechanical stress resistance of the sound reducer.
Preferably, the architectured material, and even more preferably the sound reducer as a whole, is made of metal or polymer or a metal/polymer composite.
Preferably, the sound reducer comprises, in a direction in which gases are intended to propagate in and/or through the reducer, the gas inlet opening, the expansion chamber, the absorption chamber, in the absence of a channel, the channel passing through the absorption chamber if present, and the outlet opening.
The channel can extend between, or from, an outlet opening of the expansion chamber and, or to, the outlet opening of the sound reducer.
In addition to gases designed to propagate in or through the sound reducer, a projectile can also propagate in and/or through the sound reducer. Preferably, the reducer is arranged so that the projectile propagates through the inlet opening of the sound reducer, then into the expansion chamber, then into the channel and then through the outlet opening.
The reducer's inlet opening can be an expansion chamber opening, or the reducer inlet opening can be connected to an expansion chamber inlet opening through an additional channel or conduit.
The wall delimiting the expansion zone can be an external wall of the reducer.
The circulation or propagation of gases in the expansion zone has the effect of expanding the gases, that is, reducing their pressure and/or propagation velocity. This reduces the noise generated by gases exiting the channel and/or reducer. The expansion zone is made of a single-piece architectured material, preferably a single-piece porous architectured material, to improve the sound reducer's strength and therefore its service life.
The wall delimiting the absorption zone can be an external wall of the reducer.
The circulation or propagation of gases in the absorption zone has the effect of relaxing the gases, that is, their pressure and/or propagation velocity is reduced. This reduces the noise generated by gases exiting the channel and/or reducer. The absorption zone is made of a one-piece architectured material, preferably a single-piece porous architectured material, to improve the sound reducer's strength and therefore its service life.
In addition, the one-piece architectured material, preferably a one-piece porous architectured material, reduces the weight of the sound reducer. Alternatively, compared with prior art devices, for an equivalent or lower sound reducer weight, it can achieve noise attenuation of +30 decibels (dB) or more.
In addition, the use of a one-piece architectured material enables better integration of the various components of a sound reducer, and thus reduces the overall dimensions of the sound reducer according to the invention compared with devices of the prior art.
In addition, the absorption zone made of a single-piece architectured material, preferably a single-piece porous architectured material, makes it possible to control and/or adapt and/or obtain a desired conformation and/or geometry of the sound reducer depending on the application.
Preferably, a distance, extending in a plane perpendicular to the channel axis, between the channel and at least part, preferably only part, of the outer wall of the architectured material varies, preferably increases, along the channel axis.
Preferably, a distance, extending along a normal plane, between the channel and a portion of the silencer's outer wall, intended to face and/or located on one side of a line of sight or line of sight of a firearm, on which the silencer is intended to be mounted, does not vary and/or does not increase and/or remains constant.
Preferably, the architectured material comprises a set of elementary patterns, so-called patterns, forming the one-piece structure of the architectured material, each of the patterns has a three-dimensional structure and at least one part of the patterns:
One or more of the absorption zone patterns may comprise an opening. One or more of the patterns of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone may comprise a blind hole.
Preferably, multiple or each of the patterns of the absorption zone, even more preferably multiple or each of the patterns of at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, comprise an even number of openings.
Preferably, the at least a part of the pattern of the absorption zone is arranged so that a part of the gases flows into or through the absorption zone, from the channel through the architectured material to an outer wall of the architectured material delimiting the absorption zone.
Preferably, at least one of the patterns, more preferably at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, comprises or is constituted or delimited by a wall or a layer.
Preferably, each pattern comprises or is constituted or delimited by a wall or a layer.
Preferably, a wall or part of a wall of one or more patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of one or more patterns of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, is, for a given pattern of the absorption zone, preferably for a given pattern of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, adjacent or contiguous or common to one or more patterns, preferably of the absorption zone, even more preferably of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone, adjacent to the given pattern.
Preferably, an opening of one of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, forms or constitutes an opening of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone. In other words, an opening of one pattern of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, and an opening of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, are or constitute or form the same opening.
Preferably, for multiple, even more preferably for each, of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone; an opening of one given pattern of the absorption zone, preferably of at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone, forms or constitutes an opening of another of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone. In other words, for multiple, preferably for each, of the patterns in the absorption zone, preferably at the least some of the patterns in the absorption zone, an opening of one of the patterns in the absorption zone, preferably the at least part of the patterns in the absorption zone, and an opening of another of the patterns in the absorption zone, preferably at least part of the patterns in the absorption zone, are or constitute or form the same opening.
The circulation or propagation of gases in the absorption zone through openings and cavities further enhances gas expansion, that is, reduces their pressure and/or propagation velocity. This further reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the channel.
Preferably, the channel extends through a succession of architectured material patterns.
Preferably, the channel is formed or delimited or constituted by at least part of each pattern of the succession of patterns, and even more preferably by part of a wall of each pattern of the succession of patterns.
Preferably, the patterns of the succession of patterns are aligned along the channel axis.
Preferably, the architectured material comprises, and even more preferably constitutes or shapes, the channel and the absorption zone.
Preferably, the patterns in the succession of patterns are adjacent or contiguous.
The porous nature of the reducer, in particular due to the cavities and openings, and preferably the porous nature of the absorption zone and the channel, enables a weight reduction of around 40% compared to reducers of the state of the art for the same material. It is not possible to achieve such a reducer architecture, preferably the presence of distinct patterns comprising openings and cavities, again preferably in the absorption zone and the channel, with machining and/or assembly techniques.
Preferably, the channel is formed, at least in part, by a series of apertures formed in a wall of each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends.
Preferably, the channel is formed by two opposing or facing apertures in each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends. Preferably, the channel is formed by two opposing or facing apertures in the wall of each of the patterns in the succession of patterns.
Preferably, at least one pattern in the succession of patterns is adjacent or contiguous to a pattern in the absorption zone. Preferably, each pattern in the succession of patterns is contiguous or adjacent to a different pattern of the absorption zone.
Preferably, a wall or part of a wall of at least one pattern in the succession of patterns is adjacent to, contiguous with or common with a pattern in the absorption zone. Preferably, a wall or part of a wall of multiple or each of the patterns in the succession of patterns is contiguous or adjacent to or common with a separate pattern in the absorption zone.
The channel may, in a normal plane, comprise or be formed by multiple distinct patterns. A wall or part of a wall of the channel may, in a normal plane, comprise or be formed by a wall or walls of multiple distinct patterns.
Preferably, multiple, or each, of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends comprise at least one opening, preferably formed in the wall of each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends. Even more preferably, the pattern openings of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends are arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through the channel enter the absorption zone.
Preferably, the pattern openings of the succession of patterns are arranged so that a part of the gases flows from the channel through the architectured material to an outer wall of the architectured material delimiting the absorption zone.
Preferably, each of the pattern openings in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends is arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through the channel enter a different pattern of the absorption zone.
Preferably, an opening of one of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least one pattern, forms or constitutes an opening of a pattern of the absorption zone. In other words, an opening of a pattern of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel comprising at least one pattern extends, and an opening of a pattern of the absorption zone, are or constitute or form the same opening.
Preferably, for multiple, even more preferably for each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends, among the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel comprising at least one pattern extends; an opening of a given pattern of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends forms or constitutes an opening of a pattern of the absorption zone. In other words, for multiple, even more preferably for each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends, of the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel, comprising at least one pattern, extends; an opening of a given pattern of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends, and an opening of the absorption zone, are or constitute or form one and the same opening.
Increasing the number of patterns comprising openings in the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends and/or increasing the number of openings in the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends makes it possible to increase the quantity of gas circulating or injected into the absorption zone. This further improves gas expansion, that is, reduces pressure and/or propagation velocity. This further reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the channel.
Preferably, the openings of the patterns in the succession of patterns are distinct from the apertures of the patterns in the succession of patterns.
Preferably, multiple, or each, of the patterns in the succession of patterns, from the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprise at least two openings. Even more preferably, the at least two openings of a given pattern of the succession of patterns through which the channel extends are arranged so that a part of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate at least two distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
Multiple, preferably each, of the patterns in the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, may comprise at least two openings and:
Multiple, preferably each, of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends may comprise four or more separate openings and, for a given pattern of the or each of the patterns in the succession of patterns through which the channel extends comprising four or more separate openings, one, multiple or each of the four or more separate openings are arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through the channel enter a separate pattern, preferably adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
Multiple, preferably each, of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, may comprise four or more separate openings and the axis of revolution of at least four of the one or more separate openings of the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, lies in a normal plane and the axis of revolution of a first opening and the axis of revolution of a second opening are coincident and perpendicular to the axis of revolution of a third opening and the axis of revolution of a fourth opening. In this case, for a given pattern among the patterns of the succession of patterns, through which the channel extends, comprising at least four or more openings, a part of the gases circulating in the channel penetrate four distinct patterns, preferably adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
By increasing the number of distinct patterns in the absorption zone wherein the gases flowing through the channel penetrate, the expansion of the gases can be further improved, that is, their pressure and/or propagation velocity can be reduced. This further reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the channel.
Preferably, at least two openings of a given pattern, preferably among the patterns of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two openings, are arranged so that a part of the gases circulating in the given pattern of the absorption zone penetrate into at least two distinct patterns, adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
Preferably, multiple, or each, of the absorption zone patterns, preferably at least some of the absorption zone patterns, comprise at least four openings. Preferably, the at least four openings of a given pattern are arranged so that a part of the gases circulating in the given pattern of the absorption zone penetrate into at least four separate patterns, adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
Preferably, multiple, more preferably each, of the absorption zone patterns, preferably the at least part of the absorption zone patterns comprising at least two openings, comprise six or more openings, and:
Preferably, the at least six openings of a given pattern, among the patterns of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least six openings, preferably among the patterns of the at least one part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two openings, are arranged so that a part of the gases flowing in the given pattern of the absorption zone penetrate into at least six distinct patterns, adjacent to the given pattern, of the absorption zone.
Preferably, each of the patterns of the absorption zone, preferably of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two openings, comprises six openings and, for each pattern of the absorption zone, preferably for each pattern of the at least part of the patterns of the absorption zone comprising at least two openings, an axis of revolution of an opening of a given pattern is coincident with an axis of revolution of another of the openings of the given pattern; and an axis of revolution of a first opening of a pattern is perpendicular to the channel axis, an axis of revolution of a second opening is parallel to the channel axis and an axis of revolution of a third opening is perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the first opening and perpendicular to the axis of revolution of the second opening.
By increasing the number of openings in an absorption zone pattern, gas expansion can be further improved, that is, the pressure and/or propagation velocity can be reduced. This further reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the channel.
Preferably, the reducer comprises at least one recess extending between the outer wall of the architectured material, and/or of the absorption zone, and an outer wall of the sound reducer.
The reducer may comprise multiple of stacked recesses or a number of recesses forming a stack of recesses, extending between the outer wall of the architectured material and an outer wall of the sound reducer.
Preferably, the reducer comprises at least two vents extending, at least in part, preferably entirely, into or through the absorption zone, between or from the absorption zone or, respectively, between or from the channel, further preferably from an opening in a pattern or a common opening in multiple adjacent patterns of the absorption zone, preferably from the at least one part of the absorption zone patterns comprising at least two openings, or, respectively, from a side opening of the channel, and/or to an outer wall of the sound reducer, preferably an outer and/or side opening of the outer wall of the sound reducer; each of the vents is arranged so that a part of the gases intended to flow into the channel and/or into the absorption zone and/or into the expansion chamber is discharged, out from the sound reducer, through the at least two vents.
A vent can be understood as a conduit.
Preferably, the side opening in the outer wall of the sound reducer constitutes or forms a vent outlet or a gas outlet from a vent.
Preferably, one or more of the walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting each of the vents may be, in part or in whole, pattern wall(s), or may be, in part or in whole, one or more walls, preferably specific to the vents, distinct from the pattern wall(s).
Preferably, part of the absorption zone extends between two consecutive vents.
One or more of the walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may be discontinuous.
One or more of the walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may be formed, at least in part or entirely, by the pattern wall. One or more walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may further comprise one or more openings of the patterns delimiting or forming or constituting one or more walls or layers of one or each of the vents.
One or more of the walls or layers delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may further comprise one or more openings, preferably distinct from the pattern openings. This further enhances noise reduction. The opening(s) of the wall(s) or layer(s) delimiting or forming or constituting one or each of the vents may connect two successive openings or may connect an opening to a part of the absorption zone extending between two consecutive vents.
Preferably, the at least two vents extend between the absorption zone and the outer wall of the sound reducer. Thus, before entering the vents, the gases coming from the channel have already passed through a part of the absorption zone wherein they have been expanded, that is, their pressure and/or propagation velocity has decreased. This reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the vents. The part of the absorption zone through which the gases flow from the channel can be comprised in the walls or layers, distinct from the pattern wall(s), delimiting or forming or constituting a vent.
At least one vent can extend, at least in part, preferably entirely, into or through the expansion chamber, from the expansion chamber, more preferably from an opening in the expansion chamber, and an outer wall of the sound reducer, preferably an outer opening in the outer wall of the sound reducer.
Preferably, the sound reducer comprises an even number of vents.
Preferably, the at least two vents extending, at least in part, through the absorption zone extend through a succession of adjacent or contiguous patterns of architectured material.
Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that a part of the gases intended to flow through the channel is discharged radially with respect to the channel axis, preferably laterally and/or vertically backwards with respect to the channel axis, through the vents, out of the sound reducer.
Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that the portion of the gases intended to flow through the channel discharged through the vents is discharged laterally and/or sideways and rearwards through the vents out from the sound reducer.
Preferably, each of the vents is arranged so that the part of the gases intended to flow through the discharged through the vents is discharged, through the at least two vents, out from the sound reducer on two sides, preferably two lateral sides, more preferably on opposite sides of the sound reducer.
Preferably, the aperture, preferably each aperture, of the channel is an aperture in a wall of an architectured material.
Preferably, the vents have the effect of creating a resultant opposite to the direction of the vents, thus reducing weapon recoil in the case of a weapon sound reducer.
Preferably, at least one of the vents, and even more preferably each of the vents, are arranged so that the gas discharged from the sound reducer through the vents exerts a force on the walls of the vents that is opposite to the recoil force, so as to reduce the weapon's recoil.
Arranging a vent or vents so that they extend between, or from, the absorption zone and, or to, the outer wall of the sound reducer can be defined as arranging the sound reducer so that part of the absorption zone is disposed or extends between the channel and the vent(s). The effect of this feature is that the gases in the channel are relaxed, that is, their pressure and/or propagation velocity is reduced, before entering and propagating through the vent(s). This reduces the noise generated by gases leaving the vent(s).
Preferably, the at least two vents extend through patterns, preferably through a succession of patterns, of the architectured material, preferably of the absorption zone. Preferably, the at least two vents extend through patterns, preferably through a succession of patterns, of the absorption zone.
The patterns of the succession of patterns through which the at least two vents extend can be aligned. Preferably, the patterns of the succession of patterns through which the at least two vents extend are not aligned.
Preferably, the at least two vents are formed or delimited or constituted by at least part of each pattern of the succession of patterns, even more preferably by part of a wall of each pattern of the succession of patterns.
Preferably, the architectured material comprises, or even more preferably forms, the channel, the absorption zone and the at least two vents.
Preferably, the patterns in the succession of patterns are adjacent or contiguous.
Preferably, the at least two vents comprise two consecutive walls, along an axis parallel to the channel axis, facing each other; a tangent at a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of a given vent forms an angle less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the channel axis intersecting the tangent at the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of the given vent.
Preferably, the two consecutive walls of the at least two vents delimit and/or form, at least in part, the at least two vents.
Preferably, a tangent at a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of at least one of the vents under consideration and a tangent at a distal end of the other of the two consecutive walls of the at least one given vent form an angle of less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent at the distal end of at least one of the two walls of the given vent.
Preferably, the two consecutive walls face each other and are separated, along an axis parallel to the channel axis, by a non-zero distance.
The distal end of one wall of the two consecutive walls of a vent can be defined as the end of one wall of the two consecutive walls which is contiguous with an outlet surface of a vent, preferably through which gases are expelled from a vent, further preferably through which gases are expelled from the reducer.
Preferably, a tangent at a distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of a given vent intersects the channel axis and forms an angle of less than 90° and greater than 0° with a vent outlet surface and/or with the channel axis.
Preferably, each tangent at each point of the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls forms an angle of less than 90° and greater than 0° with a plane normal to the axis of the channel intersecting the tangent at the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls of the given vent.
Preferably, each tangent at each point of the distal end of at least one of the two consecutive walls intersecting the channel axis forms an angle of less than 90° and greater than 0° with a vent outlet surface and/or with the channel axis.
Preferably, for at least one of the vents, preferably for each of the vents, and at each point on the outlet surface of the at least one given vent through which gases are expelled from the reducer, a tangent at a point on the outlet surface of the at least one given vent forms an angle β, known as the projection angle, with a straight line extending along the channel axis from an intersection of the tangent with the channel axis to the gas outlet opening which is greater than 0° and less than 90°.
Preferably, for a given vent, arranging the reducer so that it forms the angle β makes it possible to further increase the reduction of the weapon's recoil by means of the force exerted, which is opposite to the recoil force, on a surface, known as the projected surface, of one of the walls delimiting, in part, the given vent.
Preferably, for a given vent, the outlet surface is delimited, in part, by one end of two consecutive walls, along an axis, parallel to the channel axis, of the given vent. Preferably, for the given vent, one of the two consecutive walls is located on the gas inlet opening side and the other of the two consecutive walls is located on the gas outlet opening side. Preferably, the wall of the two consecutive walls on the gas outlet opening side comprises the projected surface.
Preferably, a distance, extending along an axis parallel to the channel axis, separating two consecutive walls, along an axis parallel to the channel axis, preferably delimiting or forming a vent and/or a part of the absorption zone, preferably located between the channel and a vent, of a vent, for at least one of the vents, preferably for each of the vents, in a direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and/or extending from the absorption zone or from the channel or from the expansion chamber towards the outer wall of the sound reducer.
Preferably, the two consecutive walls of a vent face each other.
Preferably, the wall of a vent circumscribes a volume through which the gases coming from the channel are discharged from the sound reducer through the at least two vents.
The cross-section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and along the direction connecting the absorption zone or channel to the outer wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, decrease and then increase so as to form a neck or constriction which may be central.
The cross-section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and along the direction connecting the absorption zone or channel to the outer wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, increase and then decrease so as to form a flaring which may be central.
The cross-section of one or more vents may, along the direction in which the at least one vent mainly extends and along the direction connecting the absorption zone or channel to the outer wall of the sound reducer, representing the main axis of the vent, decrease and then increase, or vice versa, so as to form a neck or throttling and/or so as to form a flaring.
The effect of the throttling is to accelerate the flow of gases through the vent and then control its expansion. This effect is particularly attractive for supersonic gases, that is, when projectile velocity exceeds 330 m/s. The effect of the flaring is to control and then accelerate the flow of gases through the vent. This effect is particularly attractive for supersonic gases, that is, when projectile velocity exceeds 330 m/s.
Preferably, the cross-sectional area of a vent increases between two consecutive vents or from one vent to the next in a direction connecting the gas inlet opening and the gas outlet opening.
Preferably, the cross-sectional area of a given vent is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a vent following the given vent in a direction connecting the gas inlet opening and the gas outlet opening.
Preferably, the outlet surface area, through which gases are expelled from the reducer, of a given vent is smaller than the outlet surface area, through which gases are expelled from the reducer, of a vent following the given vent in a direction connecting the gas inlet opening and the gas outlet opening
Increasing the cross-sectional area of a vent or outlet surface area of a vent between two consecutive vents has the effect of compensating for the decrease in pressure of the gases, following their expansion, as they progress along the axis of the channel.
Other benefits and features shall become evident upon examining the detailed description of entirely non-limiting embodiments and implementations, and from the following enclosed drawings:
The embodiments are described below are in no way limiting, and in particular, it is possible to consider variants of the invention that comprise only a selection of the features disclosed, in isolation from the other features disclosed (even if that selection is isolated within a phrase comprising other features), if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical benefit or to differentiate the invention with respect to the prior state of the art. This selection comprises at least one preferably functional feature which lacks structural detail, or only has a portion of the structural details if that portion only is sufficient to confer a technical benefit or to differentiate the invention with respect to the prior state of the art.
With reference to
According to the embodiment, and with reference to
The sound wave absorption zone 4 is made up of a single-piece architectured material. The absorption zone 4, or the part of the architectured material constituting the absorption zone 4, is arranged so that a part of the gases flows from the channel 3 through the architectured material to an outer wall 11 of the architectured material delimiting the absorption zone 4. The outer wall 11 of the architectured material can be defined as the outer wall 11 of the absorption zone 4.
According to the embodiment, the entire reducer 1, that is, the channel 3, expansion chamber 2, outer wall 11, inlet opening 12, outlet opening 13 and absorption zone 4, is made of architectured material. The reducer 1 is therefore a single-piece unit.
According to the embodiment, the reducer 1 is designed to be mechanically attached to the end of the barrel. The reducer 1 can include a thread at the inlet opening 12 of the reducer 1 to mechanically secure the reducer 1 at the end of the barrel. The reducer 1 can include any other mechanical fastening system, such as clamps or quick-release fasteners, to mechanically secure the reducer 1 at the end of the barrel. The thread can be obtained by machining after the reducer 1 has been entirely manufactured by additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing.
On leaving the barrel, the warhead enters the reducer 1 via the channel 3, passing successively through the expansion chamber 2 and the absorption zone 4. The warhead is preceded by moving compressed air and followed by pressurized combustion gases. Both types of gas are expanded in the expansion chamber 2 and then in the absorption zone 4. This action reduces the intensity of the sound impact of the gunshot.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the architectured material can be a light alloy, a titanium alloy, a ferrous base alloy or a nickel base alloy. Light alloys, such as aluminum alloys, are considered when a light-weight gear 1 is an absolute necessity. Nickel-based alloys are considered when mechanical temperature resistance is an absolute necessity. Titanium alloys are a suitable compromise between light alloys and nickel bases. The architectured material can also be made of polymer, with or without integrated reinforcement, such as short-or long-fiber reinforcements.
According to the embodiment, a distance, extending along a normal plane, between the channel 3 and at least part of the outer wall 11 of the architectured material varies along the channel axis 8. This distance increases in the direction between the inlet opening 12 and outlet opening 13 of the reducer 1. This distance increases on the lower and lateral portions of the reducer 1 or towards the rear and sides in relation to a vertical axis. In this way, the line of sight of the reducer remains straight. This increases the volume of the absorption zone, and therefore noise attenuation, without obstructing the shooter's line of sight. As shown in
Such a design is made possible, in particular, by the 3D printing manufacturing method used to implement the reducer 1. These types of shapes cannot be obtained with machined reducers.
The part of the architectured material constituting, at least in part, the absorption zone 4 comprises a set of elementary patterns 5, known as patterns 5, forming the one-piece structure of the architectured material. Each of the patterns 5 in the architectured material has a three-dimensional structure, and at least some of the patterns 5 have a hollow three-dimensional structure.
According to the particular non-limiting embodiment, the patterns 5 are dodecahedrons. The patterns 5 can be of any geometric shape. By way of non-limiting examples, the patterns 5 can be any type of polyhedron or a sphere.
In addition, at least some of the patterns 5 comprise at least two openings 6 through which a cavity 7 of each of the patterns 5 of the at least some of the patterns 5 communicates with the outside of the cavity 7 of each of the patterns of the at least some of the patterns 5.
The absorption zone 4 is arranged so that a part of the gases flows through the openings 6 and cavities 7 of the patterns 5 of at least part of the patterns 5 of the part of the architectured material constituting, at least in part, the absorption zone 4.
As shown, and directly deducible from
The channel 3 extends through a succession of patterns 5 in the architectured material. The channel 3 is formed by a series of apertures 14 formed in a wall 51 of each pattern 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. In addition, the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends forms a row of adjacent patterns 5.
According to the particular, non-limiting embodiment, the cross-section of channel 3, in a given normal plane, is smaller than the cross-section, in the given normal plane passing through the center of a pattern 5, of the pattern cavity 7 of the succession of patterns 5 through which channel 3 extends. The channel 3 is also comprised in the row of adjacent patterns 5. In addition, according to this particular non-limiting embodiment, each pattern 5 comprises two opposing apertures 14. An aperture 14 is common to two adjacent patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. Finally, each of the apertures 14 is comprised in and formed by the wall 51 of a single pattern 5, in particular a wall 51 common to two adjacent patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends, of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. However, the channel 3 could be comprised in or formed by multiple adjacent rows of patterns 5. In this case, the cross-section of the channel 3, in the normal plane under consideration, may or may not be greater than the cross-section, in the normal plane under consideration passing through the center of a pattern 5, of the cavity 7 of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends. In this case too, each of the apertures 14 could be included in and formed by the wall 51 of multiple adjacent patterns 5 in multiple adjacent rows.
Several of the patterns 5, each of the patterns 5 according to the embodiment, of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends comprise at least one opening 6 and preferably at least two openings 6. The openings 6 of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 are arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through the channel 3 enters the absorption zone 4. In particular, the openings 6 of a given pattern 5 of the succession of patterns 5 are arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through the channel penetrate at least two distinct patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4.
According to the particular non-limiting embodiment, each of the patterns 5 of the succession of patterns 5 through which the channel 3 extends comprises four openings 6. The axis of revolution of each opening 6 lies in a normal plane. The axis of revolution of a first opening 6 is coincident with the axis of a second opening 6, which extend along the vertical axis in
According to the non-limiting embodiment, each pattern 5 of the absorption zone 4, with the exception of the peripheral patterns 5 adjacent to the outer wall 11 of the absorption zone 4, comprise at least two openings 6. Each given pattern 5 of the absorption zone 4 is arranged so that a part of the gases flowing through a given pattern of the absorption zone 4 enter at least two separate patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 adjacent to the given pattern 5. However, there is nothing to prevent some of the patterns 5 in the absorption zone 4 from having a blind hole 6.
According to the non-limiting embodiment, each pattern 5 of the absorption zone 4, with the exception of the peripheral patterns 5 adjacent to the outer wall 11 of the absorption zone 4, comprise six openings 6. However, the patterns of the absorption zone could comprise four openings 6 or more than six openings 6. According to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form an identical angle of 0° with respect to an axis parallel to the channel axis 8. Also according to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form an identical angle of 0° with respect to a perpendicular axis, called the longitudinal axis, parallel to the channel axis 8. According to the non-limiting embodiment, an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of one of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 and an axis of revolution of an opening 6 of another of the patterns 5 of the absorption zone 4 form an identical angle of 0° with respect to an axis, called the vertical axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the channel axis 8.
The reducer 1 comprises at least one recess 15, a single recess 15 according to the embodiment, extending between the outer wall 11 of the architectured material and an outer wall 10 of the reducer 1. The recess 15 extends radially around the outer wall 11 of the absorption zone. According to the non-limiting embodiment, the recess 15 extends only over an upper half, relative to the vertical axis, of the reducer 1.
The recess 15 or successive recesses 15 extend at least as far as the part of the reducer 1 intended to be positioned in the line of sight of a weapon on which it is intended to be mounted.
The at least one recess comprises or is filled with a gas. The function of the at least one recess is to thermally insulate the outer wall of the architectured material and/or the absorption zone of the outer wall of the sound reducer. This reduces or even prevents convection effects in the weapon's line of sight.
With reference to
The vents 9 extend through patterns 5 in the absorption zone 4.
The geometrical characteristics, in terms of distances and angles in particular, of the simplified schematic presentation of
Each vent 9 has an outlet surface 18 through which gases are expelled from the reducer 1. According to the non-limiting embodiment shown in
Referring to
According to the embodiment, the angle λ1 formed between the tangent 25 and the plane 29 normal to the channel axis 8 intersecting the tangent 25 at the distal end 27 is of the order of 30°. The angle λ1 is different from the angle λ2 formed between the tangent 26 and the plane 30 normal to the channel axis 8 intersecting the tangent 26 at the distal end 28. The angle λ2 is on the order of 45°. In other words, in the cross-sectional plane shown, the two consecutive walls 16 are not parallel. Furthermore, with reference to
The angle λ describes an arrangement of vents 9 such that gases flowing through each vent 9 are ejected from each vent 9 by generating a thrust on one or both consecutive opposing walls 16. This thrust is opposite to the direction of gas ejection. This thrust is the main resultant opposite to the weapon's recoil. This thrust, and therefore the angle λ, provides the recoil-reducing effect. For this effect to be achieved, it is sufficient for the angle λ to be different from 0° and 90°. An angle λ of between 20° and 70° offers a particularly advantageous effect. An angle λ of between 30° and 60° provides optimum effect.
Referring to
For each of the vents 9, the main direction 19 of a given vent 9 forms an angle θ, called thrust angle θ, with a straight line extending along the channel axis 8 from an intersection 22 of the gas outlet opening axis 19 with the channel axis 8 to the gas inlet opening 12 which is greater than 0°, preferably 20°, and less than 90°, preferably 70°. According to the embodiment presented, the thrust angle θ is 52.5°.
The main direction 19 forms an angle δ with a normal plane 23 which comprises the point of intersection of the main axis 19 with the channel axis 8. The median surface of a vent 9 forms an angle δ with a normal plane 23 which comprises the axis of intersection of the median surface with the normal plane 23. The angle δ formed between the median surface and a normal plane 23 that comprises the axis of intersection of the median surface with the normal plane 23 can vary along the axis of intersection of the median surface with the normal plane 23. The axis of intersection of the median surface with the normal plane 23 may be curved or may be a straight line. The angle θ formed between this main axis 19, and respectively between the median surface, and the normal plane 23 comprising the point of intersection of the main axis 19, and respectively the axis of intersection of the median surface, with the channel axis 8 is 30 to 60 degrees. According to the embodiment presented, the angle δ is 45°.
The gases flowing through each vent 9 are ejected mainly along this main axis 19 and generate a thrust along this main axis 19 and opposite to the direction of ejection. This thrust is the main resultant opposite to the weapon's recoil. The angles λ, δ and θ are three alternative descriptions of the arrangement of vents 9 that achieve the recoil-reducing effect. For this effect to be achieved, it is sufficient for the angles λ, δ and θ to be different from 0° and 90°. Angles λ, δ and θ of between 20° and 70° offer a particularly advantageous effect. Angles λ, δ and θ of between 30° and 60° offer an optimal effect.
With reference to
The projection angle β is equal to 0° in the embodiments shown in
The function of the angle β is to create a projected surface differential 21 so as to induce a resultant force opposing the weapon's recoil. The resultant force is generated by the pressure exerted by the gases, discharged from the reducer 1 through the vents 9, on the projected surface 21 of the wall 16 of the vents 9 located on the side of the gas outlet opening 13. In the representation of
According to the non-limiting embodiments shown, each vent 9 comprises a wall 16 that is distinct from the wall 51 of the patterns 5. The wall 16 of the vents 9 can extend from the channel 3, in particular from a wall 51 of the patterns 5 of the pattern sequence 5 through which the channel 3 extends, to the outer wall 10 of the reducer 1. The wall 16 of vents 9 is optional, and one or more vents can be composed of partial patterns 5 only.
According to the non-limiting embodiments shown, the gas intended for propagation in channel 3 transits from channel 3 to an outlet opening of a vent 9 provided in the outer wall 10 of the reducer 1. The gas coming from the channel 3 flows through a volume of architectured material making up part of absorption zone 4 and then into the vent 9. Also, according to the embodiment, the patterns 5 making up the absorption zone 4 are comprised in the walls 16 of the vents 9. Parts of the absorption zone 4 lie or extend between two consecutive vents 9.
According to the invention, the cross-section of a vent 9 is defined as the distance, extending along an axis parallel to the channel axis 8, separating two consecutive walls 16, along an axis parallel to the channel axis 8, of a vent 9. The cross-section of a vent 9 increases along the main direction 19 of a vent 9 from the absorption zone 4 towards the outer wall of the sound reducer 10. The cross-section of a vent 9 can also decrease or increase then decrease or decrease then increase along the main direction 19 of a vent 9 from the absorption zone 4 towards the outer wall of the sound reducer 10.
In addition, the cross-section of vents 9 increases between two consecutive vents 9 in a direction connecting the gas inlet opening 12 and gas outlet opening 13.
According to the non-limiting embodiments shown, the thickness of the external walls 10, 11 and/or the walls 51 of the patterns 5 and/or the walls 16 of the vents 9 can be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, depending on the application and requirements.
The size of the patterns 5 can range from 0.5 mm to 20 mm, depending on the application and requirements. The patterns 5 may have any shape.
The openings 6 have diameters ranging from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, depending on the application and requirements. The orientation of the openings 6 and their axes of revolution can be varied according to the application and requirements.
The architectured material can incorporate one or more free-form internal reinforcement structures. The architectured material may also comprise structures communicating with or extending from the inside of the reducer 1 with, or to the outside of, the reducer 1.
The reinforcing structure may comprise or form at least one strip or bar or rod. The reinforcing structure can be free-form. The reinforcing structure can extend between one of the walls of the architectured material, between, for example, one or more of the outer walls 10, 11 and/or one or more of the walls 51 of the patterns 5 and/or one or more of the walls 16 of the vents 9. The reinforcing structure can form one or more internal partitions, preferably within a pattern 5 and/or a cavity 7. The main function of the reinforcement structure is to reinforce the architectured material, preferably the area of the architectured material located between the parts of the architectured material between which the reinforcement structure extends.
According to the non-limiting embodiments shown, the reducer 1 comprises a pin 17 located on the output 13 side of the reducer 1 and on the upper part, with respect to the vertical direction, of the reducer 1. The pin 17 may also be located on the lower part, in relation to the vertical direction, of the reducer 1. The pin 17 is designed to hold an anti-convection veil or fabric, commonly known as a mirage band.
Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many adjustments can be made to these examples without going beyond the scope of the invention.
Thus, in mutually combinable variants of the previously described embodiments:
Additionally, the various features, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations as long as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR2202521 | Mar 2022 | FR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2023/057154 | 3/21/2023 | WO |
