Authenticated Trigger Locking for Universal Firearm Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm trigger locking systems are cumbersome, unreliable, and difficult to install on existing firearms without manufacturer integration, often detracting from the firearm's form or function, and lack seamless integration and quick, reliable access to actuation.

Innovation Solution

A firearm trigger locking system with a grip portion and authentication system, including a central processing unit, storage device, identification component, actuator, and battery, which moves a block to prevent trigger actuation until proper authentication is achieved, featuring a continuous firing button for maintaining the unlocked state and a manual override mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a trigger locking system is manually integrated into an existing firearm, then the system can be installed on firearms without manufacturer integration, but the installation becomes cumbersome and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing firearmsVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger locking system is divided into separate modular components including a trigger guard assembly, locking mechanism, and authentication system that can be independently installed and configured on different firearm types, reducing installation complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger locking system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can interface with multiple firearm platforms through standardized attachment mechanisms, allowing a single system design to serve various firearm types without requiring firearm-specific customization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the trigger is physically blocked from movement, then unauthorized discharge is prevented, but the firearm's form and function are detracted from

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unauthorized dischargeVSAvoidfirearm form

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The locking block is extracted as a separate movable component that can be positioned to block the trigger only when needed, rather than being a permanent structural modification to the firearm, thus preventing unauthorized discharge while preserving the firearm's original form when unlocked

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger guard assembly incorporates a movable locking block that dynamically transitions between blocked and unblocked positions based on authentication status, allowing the system to adapt its physical configuration rather than imposing a static modification on the firearm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If authentication systems are integrated into the trigger locking mechanism, then user control and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authentication controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is merged with the trigger locking mechanism into a single integrated assembly, combining the cryptographic verification functions with the mechanical locking components to reduce overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger guard assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the authentication system and the trigger mechanism, providing a controlled interface that manages the transition from locked to unlocked state based on authentication outcomes without requiring direct complex integration between all components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the locking system requires manual operation, then the mechanism is simple, but quick and repeatable access to trigger actuation is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidspeed of trigger access

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system performs verification and authorization actions in advance before the user needs to access the trigger, pre-positioning the locking block in the unlocked state so that authorized users can immediately actuate the trigger without manual manipulation delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260049782A1Universal trigger locking system

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 AUTHGRIP INC

AI summary

Systems for universally locking a trigger of a firearm are provided that require authentication to transition the firearm to an unlocked state. In general, examples of the systems for universally locking a trigger of a firearm described herein are located in an interchangeable grip portion of the firearm or mounted to an accessory rail of the firearm. Embodiments of the system generally include trigger interference or blocking members to prevent actuation of the trigger until the authentication system has authorized the user to fire the firearm. Once the system is authenticated, embodiments of the system remain in an unlocked state while the user is grasping the firearm. When the user removes their hand from the firearm, embodiments of the trigger locking system automatically returns to a locked state, reducing or eliminating unauthorized use of the firearm.