Alcohol-Sensitive Safety Locking Mechanism for Firearm Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for devices and methods that prevent the operation of firearms, vehicles, and access to medications when an individual is under the influence of alcohol, as alcohol use is associated with increased risk of suicide and impaired operation leading to harm.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism that uses a blood alcohol sensor to detect the transdermal alcohol content of a user, determining their blood alcohol content (BAC), and activates a lock assembly to either enable or disable the operation of firearms, vehicles, or access to medications based on a preselected BAC threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firearms, vehicles, and medications are removed from the homes of individuals with suicidal ideation, then safety is improved, but the individual's access to necessary items and quality of life deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of access control from permanent removal to conditional access based on BAC levels. The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the detected alcohol concentration, allowing safe access when sober while preventing access when impaired.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (alcohol-detecting locking mechanism) between the individual and the potentially harmful items. This intermediary automatically assesses safety conditions and controls access accordingly, eliminating the need for direct human intervention or complete removal of items.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If firearms are removed from impaired individuals, then harmful effects are reduced, but the complexity of supervision and enforcement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service safety monitoring where the individual's own biological state (BAC level) automatically controls access. The sensor detects alcohol in the individual's own body and the locking mechanism responds autonomously without requiring external supervisors or enforcement personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual supervision and physical enforcement with an automated electronic system. The mechanical act of removing or returning firearms is substituted by an electronic locking mechanism that responds to biochemical signals (alcohol detection), eliminating the need for continuous human oversight.
3Reliability
If alcohol-detecting locking mechanisms are implemented, then access prevention when impaired is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to work with multiple types of items (firearms, vehicles, medications) using the same basic principle of alcohol detection. The system integrates several functions (alcohol sensing, BAC calculation, threshold comparison, and locking control) into a single multi-functional device that can be applied to various access control scenarios.
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
The solution effectively prevents the operation of lethal means by individuals who are alcohol-impaired, thereby reducing the risk of suicide and accidental harm, without the need for constant supervision or removal of these items.
Implementation Method 1
a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm configured to be selectively discharged by a user is disclosed. The firearm includes a frame including a body portion, a grip, and a trigger guard extending from the body portion to the grip and defining a trigger space therebetween. The firearm further includes a firing mechanism including a trigger, the firing mechanism being disposed at least partially within the frame so that the trigger extends downwardly into the trigger space. The firearm further includes a locking mechanism having a blood alcohol sensor configured to determine or approximate a blood alcohol content of the user based on alcohol within perspiration of the user and a lock assembly configured to receive a control signal that is based on the determined or approximated blood alcohol content of the user. The lock assembly is configured to enable and disable the firing mechanism based upon the received control signal.