Blank Firing Device Dual Trigger Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reloadable diversionary devices often have components that break and do not fire consistently, making them unreliable and costly for repeated use, especially when used in training or entertainment purposes where they may land in various orientations.

Innovation Solution

A blank firing device with two trigger mechanisms, including a main body, blank carrier cartridge, firing pin, spring, bearing, and plunger, which allows for durable and consistent activation of a primer or blank regardless of the device's orientation upon impact, using a spring-biased firing pin and a plunger mechanism to ensure reliable ignition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reloadable diversionary device is used to reduce cost, then economic efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to component breakage and inconsistent firing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring consistencyVSAvoidtrigger mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the trigger mechanisms into two independent systems: a first trigger mechanism with a bearing and firing pin for impact activation, and a second trigger mechanism with a plunger for manual activation. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first trigger mechanism uses a spring-loaded bearing that can be dynamically activated by impact forces from any direction. The bearing moves along a conical surface to strike the firing pin, creating a dynamic response to varying impact orientations. This dynamic design ensures consistent firing regardless of how the device lands, resolving the reliability issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single trigger mechanism is used to simplify the device, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because the device cannot be activated in multiple orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation orientation flexibilityVSAvoidtrigger mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates two trigger mechanisms that serve different activation methods: the first trigger mechanism responds to impact from any orientation (providing omnidirectional activation), while the second trigger mechanism provides manual plunger activation. This multi-functionality ensures the device can be activated regardless of how it is thrown or landed, achieving universal adaptability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The first trigger mechanism uses a conical bearing surface that allows the bearing to move in multiple directions along the cone's surface. This geometric dimensioning enables the bearing to be struck from any orientation and still transfer force to the firing pin, adding dimensional flexibility to the trigger activation without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If durable construction is used to enable repeated use, then device longevity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice longevityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded bearing in the first trigger mechanism automatically resets after each firing event, ready for the next impact activation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service feature enables repeated use and extends device longevity while keeping the mechanism simple and cost-effective to manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed with a replaceable blank carrier cartridge that can be discarded after use, while the main body containing the expensive trigger mechanisms is recovered and reused. This selective discarding approach allows the durable, complex components to be reused multiple times while only the consumable cartridge is replaced, improving overall device longevity without proportionally increasing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 provides durable and consistent operation after multiple uses, allowing for reliable activation of a primer or blank in various orientations, enhancing its usability and cost-effectiveness for training and entertainment purposes.

Implementation Method 1

The spring may be wrapped around the stem, which causes the spring to bias the firing pin away from the blank carrier cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The first trigger mechanism consists of the bearing being moved towards the main body sidewall, which causes the firing pin to pierce the blank carrier cartridge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

The second trigger mechanism consists of the plunger moving towards the first end of the main body, which causes the firing pin to pierce the blank carrier cartridge to activate the primer or blank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

the firing pin to pierce the blank carrier cartridge to activate the primer or blank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11549793B2Blank firing device
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 SLEEP ENVIRONMENT INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US11549793B2 patent drawing
  • US11549793B2 patent drawing
  • US11549793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A diversionary device trigger mechanism is provided that can be repeatedly used, and which allows a primer or blank to be discharged in two different ways. The device includes a main body with a number of other components secured to the main body about an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A firing pin, a ball bearing, an anvil, a top retaining cap, and a plunger are secured about the upper chamber. A blank carrier, a primer or blank, and a carrier receiver are secured about the lower chamber. In the first way, the ball bearing can be displaced relative to the main body, such as by throwing the device towards a surface. In the second way, the plunger can be pushed down relative to the main body. If either of these occur, the firing pin to be moved downwardly to pierce and set off the primer or blank.