Biometric Gun Trigger Lock via Fingerprint and Joule Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing frequency of mass shootings in the United States has highlighted the need for technologies that can prevent unauthorized use and accidental discharge of firearms, as existing gun control legislation has been ineffective in addressing these issues.
Innovation Solution
A biometrically-enabled gun system that uses sensors and a processor to authenticate a user's identity through fingerprint recognition, with a counterweighted lever mechanism that unlocks or locks the trigger bar based on authorized user verification, ensuring the gun can only be fired by authorized individuals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biometric authentication system is implemented in a gun, then unauthorized use and accidental discharge are prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biometric authentication system, trigger mechanism, and locking system into a single integrated unit. The fingerprint sensor, processor, and actuator are merged with the gun's trigger bar and lever assembly, creating a unified system where authentication and firing control are inseparable. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate authentication and firing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors user contact with the gun through sensors and self-adjusts the lever position to unlock or lock the trigger bar without external intervention. The processor continuously checks fingerprint templates and contact status, then autonomously controls the actuator to maintain secure operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of user contact is implemented, then accidental discharge is prevented, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring of user contact rather than continuous monitoring. The processor checks contact status at regular intervals through the sensor assembly, and only activates the actuator when authentication is confirmed and contact is detected. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous mechanical monitoring mechanisms with electronic sensors and digital processing. Instead of using mechanical switches or continuous physical contact detection, the system uses fingerprint sensors and electronic contact sensors that consume minimal power while providing reliable detection. The digital nature of the monitoring allows for efficient energy management.
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 system effectively prevents unauthorized use and accidental discharge by ensuring only authorized users can activate the firearm, thereby reducing the risk of misuse and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
A fingerprint image of the finger of the user may be captured
Implementation Method 2
the processor may cause a driver to deliver an electrical current to the actuator to change a shape of the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may include a biometrically-enabled gun. The biometrically-enabled gun may detect a presence of a user. In response to detecting a presence of a user, a processor may be awoken from a power-saving mode. The processor may query for a presence of a finger of a user. A fingerprint image may be captured. A template of the captured fingerprint image may be generated. A correlation between the template and one or more authorized user templates may be determined. In response to the correlation exceeding a threshold, a processor may cause an actuator may unlock the gun. In response to a lapse of user contact with the gun, a processor may cause the actuator to lock the gun.