Biometric Firearm Lock Using Nested Sensor and Trigger Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a firearm security device that can prevent unauthorized use by checking the user for authorization before allowing the firearm to be used, particularly in cases where mentally disabled individuals, psychiatrically disabled individuals, or children may attempt to use the firearm.
Innovation Solution
A firearm security device that includes a biometric sensor to scan physical characteristics of the user, a control unit to compare the biometric data with user data to determine authorization, and a locking pin on the trigger bar that prevents the firearm from being used until the user is authorized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biometric security device is added to verify user authorization, then firearm safety and prevention of unauthorized use is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor, control unit, and locking pin are integrated into a compact security device that attaches to the firearm's trigger bar assembly. The control unit is housed within the same structure as the biometric sensor, creating a nested configuration that minimizes overall device complexity while maintaining all necessary functional components for authorization verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves as an intermediary mechanical element between the electronic control unit and the firearm's trigger mechanism. It physically blocks the trigger bar's movement until authorization is verified, providing a clear intermediary state that bridges the electronic verification system and the mechanical firing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a locking pin mechanism is implemented to block the trigger bar, then prevention of unauthorized firing is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization verification is performed in advance before the locking pin is retracted to allow trigger operation. The biometric sensor scans and the control unit verifies user credentials before the locking pin moves from its blocking position, ensuring that authorization is established beforehand to prevent any unauthorized firing attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic retracted position based on authorization status. When the control unit verifies valid credentials, it actuates the locking pin to move away from the trigger bar, dynamically changing the mechanical state from locked to unlocked to enable operation.
3Reliability
If biometric scanning is required before firearm use, then authorization control is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor performs periodic scanning of the user's biometric data each time the firearm is activated or the trigger is approached. The control unit processes this data in discrete verification cycles, allowing for efficient periodic checks rather than continuous monitoring, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining secure authorization control.
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 device effectively prevents unauthorized use of firearms by ensuring that only authorized users can operate the weapon, thereby enhancing safety and reducing the risk of accidental or intentional misuse.
Implementation Method 1
a biometric sensor to scan a physical characteristic of a user and send biometric data therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The locking pin may move in response to adjustment of a magnetic field of the locking pin by the control unit
Implementation Method 3
a locking pin comprising a solenoid disposed on a trigger bar of the firearm and connected to the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm security device removably connected to at least a portion of a firearm, the firearm security device including a biometric sensor to scan a physical characteristic of a user and send biometric data therefrom, a control unit running a program thereon and connected to the biometric sensor to compare the biometric data received from the biometric sensor to user data to determine whether the user is an authorized user of the firearm, and a locking pin disposed on a trigger bar of the firearm and connected to the control unit to prevent use of the firearm until the control unit determines the user is authorized to use the firearm.