Air Gun Trigger Safety Mechanism Reducing Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air gun trigger mechanisms are unreliable due to their complex components, leading to frequent malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A safety mechanism is introduced, comprising a safety lever with a cam and a spring biased rod, which, when activated, ensures the pressurized gas in the gas cartridge is released only when the trigger is pulled, incorporating a sliding bar and block system to securely engage and disengage the gas cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional trigger mechanism is used with multiple components (cocking module, trigger mechanism, intermediate module), then the air gun can achieve cocking and firing functions, but the complexity of components increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety lever, cam, and spring biased rod into a single integrated safety mechanism assembly that works together as one unit. The cam is co-rotatable with the safety lever and pushes the spring biased rod to interact with the trigger, merging multiple functional elements into a compact system that reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety control, a cam follower, and a trigger inhibitor. The cam simultaneously provides mechanical advantage for the spring biased rod and controls the trigger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing complexity while improving reliability
2Reliability
If a safety mechanism with cam and spring biased rod is added, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring biased rod is pre-positioned and biased by a spring before the cam acts on it. This preliminary positioning ensures that the rod is ready to push the trigger or prevent firing before the actual firing sequence begins. The cam is pre-configured with its annular shoulder to push the rod at the appropriate moment, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring biased rod acts as an intermediary element between the cam and the trigger. Instead of the cam directly acting on the trigger, the rod transmits the mechanical force from the cam to the trigger mechanism. This intermediary approach allows for smoother, more reliable force transmission and provides a mechanical buffer that enhances safety while reducing the complexity of direct cam-to-trigger engagement
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
This design enhances the reliability of the air gun by simplifying the mechanism and ensuring safe and consistent operation by requiring a deliberate action to release the pressurized gas for firing, reducing the likelihood of accidental discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a cam disposed at one end of the safety lever and being co-rotatable with the safety lever, the cam having an annular shoulder, a spring biased rod aligned with the safety lever and spaced from the cam in an inoperative position; wherein in response to pivoting the safety lever, the cam pushes a portion of the spring biased rod a cavity adjacent to the trigger
Implementation Method 2
a spring biased rod aligned with the safety lever and spaced from the cam in an inoperative position
Implementation Method 3
a sliding block engaging the sliding rod and including a protuberance facing the gas cartridge; and a pulling of the handle moves the sliding rod which in turn moves the sliding block to insert the protuberance into the gas cartridge to release the pressurized gas out of the gas cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
An air gun includes a gun body; a stock extending rearward from the gun body; a trigger extending downward from the gun body; a gas cartridge containing pressurized gas disposed in the stock; a magazine releasably secured to the gun body; an actuator including a spring biased sliding bar including an external handle, a protrusion projecting downward from the sliding bar, a spring biased sliding rod disposed under the sliding bar, and a sliding block engaging the sliding rod and including a protuberance facing the gas cartridge; and a safety mechanism disposed adjacent to a trigger and including a safety lever, a cam disposed at one end of the safety lever and being co-rotatable with the safety lever, the cam having an annular shoulder, a spring biased rod aligned with the safety lever and spaced from the cam in an inoperative position.