Abstract:
The disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for sound suppression for firearms. In various embodiments, the firearm suppressor can include a barrel system of a predetermined length to prevent supersonic projectile (e.g., bullet) speed. Further, the firearm suppressor can include a plurality of chambers that can substantially contain the gases released from a projectile and thereby reduce the sound generated by the expansion of the gases release upon firing the projectile.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The disclosure generally relates to reducing the sound resulting from the discharge of firearms. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Firearm components and accessories may be attached or be part of a barrel of a firearm, such as a handgun. One such firearm component can include a suppressor assembly. Suppressor assemblies can be configured to compensate for the various effects of firing a projectile (such as a bullet) from a firearm. For example, muzzle blast is the loud noise that generally accompanies the discharge of a firearm. The muzzle blast can damage the ears of the operator or nearby individuals not wearing ear protection and can bring unwanted attention in instances of covert use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably. 
           [0004]      FIGS. 1A-1D  depicts an example diagram showing various aspects of the design of the suppressor assembly in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0005]    The disclosure generally relates to suppressor assemblies for firearms. This disclosure can, in various applications, aid an operator in the pursuit of game for hunting, or in more general application in military actions. 
         [0006]    Further, this disclosure describes systems and methods of achieving quiet, light, and reliable firearm operation. In one embodiment, the systems and methods can be used in connection with, but not limited to, firearms having a 0.22 caliber ammunition and the firearms can be a rimefire type (e.g., relating to or denoting guns whose cartridges have the primer around the edge of the base) of firearm. However, for different types of ammunition and types of firearms, various parameters disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, the length and twist of the suppressor assembly&#39;s barrel system can be modified accordingly to achieve the same effects described in this disclosure. 
         [0007]    One component of the sound resulting from the firing of firearms (for example, 0.22 report firearms) is a sonic crack (that results from the projectile piercing the sound barrier). This sonic crack in itself may cause firearm accuracy issues, for example, as 0.22 caliber firearms may fire projectiles that can be more trans-sonic than supersonic. For example, the projectiles may move above and below the sound barrier within a much shorter distance than other rounds. The transition above and below the sound barrier can cause stability issues for the projectile, thus reducing the accuracy of the firearm as well as a sharp report when the barrier is broken. 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  shows a diagram of a side view of the barrel assembly  100  in accordance with example embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the design can feature a projectile path that keeps the projectile subsonic before it leaves the barrel of the firearm. In another embodiment, high-velocity (e.g., super-sonic) ammunition can be made sub-sonic (below the speed of sound, approximately 1125 fps) by limiting the barrel or rifling length  105  to a predetermined amount, for example, approximately 3.8 inches long for a 0.22 caliber firearm. By limiting the barrel or rifling length, a powder charge associated with the projectile may not have enough time to burn and build pressure. This, therefore, may not allow the projectile to reach its highest potential velocity. The short rifling  105  can be performed by machining the internal rifling of the existing barrel to the predetermined length. Further, the internal rifling can be designed to have a larger diameter bore  110  to give the projectile a clear, impact-less path through the remainder of the barrel and baffle system of the disclosed suppressor assembly. The example embodiments disclosed have a barrel length and twist used for 0.22 caliber ammunition. However, for different types of ammunition the length and twist can be modified accordingly to achieve the same effects described in this disclosure. 
         [0009]      FIG. 1B  shows the barrel assembly  100  with atop/bottom view of a baffle system  120 . As can be seen in  FIG. 1B , a high temperature O-ring groove  115  can be used for the prevention of gas release from the disclosed suppression assembly including the baffle system. 
         [0010]    Another embodiment of this disclosure describes sound suppression, in addition to controlling the velocity of the projectile described above. While there is, at present, a dearth of information and data on airflow dynamics in firearm suppression system, one route of improving the design of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be performed through trial and error and the use of fluid dynamic principles. 
         [0011]    In a suppression device one goal can be to reduce the audible Sound Pressure Level (SPL) rating for the firearm. Using fluid dynamics principles dictates that by reducing the air pressure within a confined space, in a linear fashion, the audible SPL can be reduced to yield the a laminar pressure reduction over a given volume. 
         [0012]      FIG. 1C  shows a side view of the barrel assembly  100 , specifically showing a second portion comprising a plurality of chambers  135  for sound reduction. In one embodiment, by using the multiple chambers  135  having a linear reduction of volume  125 , the air pressure can be reduced and therefore the audible tone of a shot being fired can be reduced. Further, the effect on the projectile motion can be minimized to acceptable tolerances. Further, by having multiple chambers  135  the pressure differential in any one chamber  135  may not equal the total pressure of the system. This can confer further properties, in multiple areas including, but not limited to: allowing for the use of thinner materials; reducing the weight by using aforementioned thinner materials; providing a linear pressure stabilization throughout the contained suppression system; minimally effecting projectile (e.g., ammunition) stability or effective velocity. 
         [0013]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 1C , the suppressor assembly can be in contact with the baffle system previously described  120 , and the barrel can be machined from a single stock. Additionally, the diameter of the barrel can be reduced to allow for integration with an outer sleeve  150 . Moreover, at the distal end of the barrel a threaded end  140  can be provided for a titanium alloy sleeve retainment cap  160 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 1D  shows a side view of the second portion of the suppressor assembly as shown in  FIG. 1C  with outer sleeve  150  slid overwith the baffle system to form an integrated suppressor within barrel assembly  100 , and sleeve retention cap  160  threaded on to threaded end  140  at the distal end of the barrel. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the overall design can be designed such that the suppression system is easily customer serviceable. In one example embodiment, the system may comprise: a barrel with suppression baffle chambers  135  machined throughout approximately 80% of its length; a titanium alloy sleeve  150  that slides over baffles; an end cap  160  for sleeve retention; and a high-temperature O-ring  115  for gas expansion prevention. 
         [0016]    Subsonic ammo can be used to provide hearing-safe firearms; however, subsonic ammo generally has a higher cost. Using the disclosed system and methods, hearing-safe shooting is no longer dependent on having subsonic ammunition, but rather, can use super-sonic ammunition. 
         [0017]    In one example embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods can be used in connection with a semiautomatic 0.22 LR platform, for example, with a 0.22 LR autoloader, such as the Ruger® 10/22™. For example, a firearm made using the disclosed systems and methods can comprise an integral suppressor for use in connection with this example firearm. The disclosed systems and methods can be used to reliably maintain the velocity of standard, high-velocity ammunition sub-sonic. In addition to the decibel reduction, firearms discharged using the disclosed systems and methods can further result in a lower-tone sound than comparable firearms and/or suppressors available on the market. Firearms that implement the disclosed systems and methods may also not need to be disassembled in order to be cleaned, for example, as do firearms having traditional rimfire suppressors. Instead, rotating the titanium sleeve  150  can clean-off any buildup. Thus firearms that implement the disclosed systems and methods can be fired thousands of times without requiring disassembly. 
         [0018]    A firearm made using the disclosed systems and methods can feature a straightforward design composing three parts. The disclosed systems and methods do not require additional tools to remove outer tube. This can result in a drastic reduction in weight over the factory barrel. The design can maintain the velocity of high velocity (over 1200 fps) bulk pack ammunition subsonic. Further, the disclosed embodiments can comprise a direct barrel replacement for a 10/22™ firearm, with little or no machining or modification required. (Though, in some cases, it may necessitate the use of a stock that will accommodate an approximately 0.920″ diameter barrel). 
         [0019]    Further, in one example embodiment, the specifications of a firearm designed using the disclosed systems and methods can include: a caliber of 0.22 LR length of approximately 16.5″; a diameter of approximately 0.920″; a weight of approximately 18 oz. Moreover, the firearm may be fully automatic. Further, the firearm may have a rifling of approximately 1:16″ and can have a 12 land 12 groove. Moreover the barrel can have a 1:16 twist and further, a 12 land and groove micro twist barrel. 
         [0020]    In example embodiments of this disclosure, in terms of materials, the barrel and core of a firearm made using the disclosed systems and methods can include 416 stainless steel; further, the sleeve  150  can comprise grade 9 titanium; moreover, the endcap  160  can include grade 5 titanium. 
         [0021]    The example embodiments disclosed have a barrel length and twist used for 0.22 caliber ammunition. However, for different types of ammunition the length and twist can be modified accordingly to achieve the same sound suppressing effects. 
         [0022]    Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.