Adjustable Weapon Trigger Mechanism for Realistic Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical triggering mechanisms for weapons lack the tactile feedback and adjustability to mimic the feel of mechanically triggered firearms, necessitating costly and environmentally harmful live firing practices for training and simulation.
Innovation Solution
A triggering mechanism with an adjustable stop member and force exerting mechanism that mimics the trigger travel distance and resistance of mechanically triggered firearms, using a releasable coupling and sensor to detect the trigger event for electrical signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple electrical triggering mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the tactile feedback and realism are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a purely mechanical triggering system with an electrical sensing system that uses a flex sensor to detect trigger deflection. The flex sensor converts mechanical deformation into an electrical signal, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining realistic tactile feedback through the natural flexing of the trigger mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical contact switches to electrical resistance changes in the flex sensor. As the trigger flexes, the sensor's resistance changes proportionally, providing continuous tactile feedback information to the system without requiring complex mechanical components.
2Ease of operation
If live firing training is conducted, then the training realism is improved, but environmental harm and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a realistic copy of the live firing experience through the flex sensor system. The sensor accurately detects and replicates the tactile sensations of pulling a real trigger, providing authentic training feedback without using actual ammunition. This allows trainees to practice trigger control and timing in a safe, environmentally friendly manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The flex sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical trigger and the digital system. It translates physical trigger manipulation into electrical signals that can be processed by training software, bridging the gap between physical sensation and digital feedback while eliminating the need for harmful live firing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable stop member is added to control trigger travel, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flex sensor serves multiple functions: it detects trigger pull, measures trigger travel distance, and provides tactile feedback. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, as the sensor can digitally adapt to different trigger configurations through software calibration rather than mechanical adjustment components.
Data Source
AI summary
A triggering mechanism for a weapon may include a moveably arranged trigger; an actuator slidably arranged along a path; and a releasable coupling. The releasable coupling member may be configured to couple the actuator with the trigger such that when a pulling motion is exerted on the trigger, the actuator moves in a first direction along the. An adjustable stop member may be configured to stop the movement of the actuator in the first direction at an adjustable stop position, such that further pulling motion on the trigger causes the actuator to be released from the trigger and to be moved in a second direction along the path. The second direction is different than the first direction. A sensor may be configured to detect movement of the actuator in the second direction and in response to the detection transmit a trigger signal.