Bluetooth Trigger Lock with Solenoid Slide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm safety solutions fail to provide comprehensive and user-friendly protection across a wide range of handgun models, often requiring modifications, being prone to usability issues, or not effectively preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking slide mechanism activated by a Bluetooth proximity detector, solenoid, and spring-loaded design, integrated with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery system, which uses a mercury switch for automatic activation and deactivation, ensuring the slide acts as a second trigger only when the user's Bluetooth device is in proximity, preventing accidental or unauthorized firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a trigger locking device is installed on a firearm, then safety against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a Bluetooth proximity detector for wireless communication, a solenoid for magnetic actuation, a spring-loaded slide for mechanical blocking, and a mercury switch for gravity-based activation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A solenoid acts as an intermediary between the Bluetooth proximity detector and the spring-loaded slide. The solenoid converts electrical signals from the Bluetooth detector into mechanical motion that activates the slide, providing a reliable intermediate mechanism that simplifies the control system while ensuring reliable trigger blocking.
2Ease of operation
If a Bluetooth proximity detector is used to control the trigger lock, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mercury switch automatically activates and deactivates the Bluetooth proximity detector based on the device's orientation relative to gravity. When the device is holstered or carried in a pocket (horizontal position), the mercury switch keeps the detector off. When the device is drawn and held horizontally (ready position), gravity causes the mercury switch to activate the detector. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual switching while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded slide acts as a second trigger, then reliability of trigger blocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex electronic lock that requires power and control circuits, the invention uses a simple spring-loaded mechanical slide that blocks the trigger physically. The spring provides continuous pressure to keep the slide in the blocked position, and only releases when the Bluetooth proximity detector activates the solenoid. This inverted approach—using mechanical blocking rather than electronic unlocking—improves reliability while reducing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to be compatible with multiple handgun models, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger locking device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work across multiple handgun models. The device attaches to the firearm's trigger assembly using a standardized interface that accommodates various trigger configurations from different manufacturers. This universal design allows the same basic device structure to function on single-action and striker-fired handguns without requiring model-specific modifications.
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 accidental discharge by ensuring the firearm is inaccessible without the user's Bluetooth device being in range, providing enhanced safety for concealment or open carry users and protecting against unauthorized use, particularly by young children or attackers, while maintaining compatibility with single action and striker-fired handguns.
Implementation Method 1
A solenoid relocks the use of the slide acting as a second trigger when the Bluetooth is out of the Bluetooth proximity detectors predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
A spring pushes the slide acting as the second trigger back into position when the trigger is released or not under pressure
Implementation Method 3
The device relies on a mercury switch which uses gravity to turn itself on and off depending on the position the device is in
Implementation Method 4
The device works by the use of a Bluetooth proximity detector picking up a broadcast transmission signal from a worn Bluetooth device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic device that is used to block the accessibility of a firearms Trigger. Wherein an electronic device is mounted on a rail or rail accessory and is locked in place using security screws and tamper proof fasteners allowing the device to fit an array of single action and striker-fired handguns. The security screws are in place to stop easy removal unless the possessor has the proper tool to remove them. The device its self uses a battery to operate and picks up a transmission broadcasted from a Bluetooth within its programmed range by the use of a Bluetooth proximity detector. Once the transmission has been picked up it activates its locking mechanism in the form of a solenoid causing its pin to lift and allows a slide placed In front of the trigger acting as a second trigger to move back and forth allowing the movement of the firearms trigger. The slide is moved back its original position by the use of a spring. When the Bluetooth is out of the device's proximity detectors programmed range the solenoid returns to its locked state stopping access to the trigger. Making the trigger locking device a beneficial reusable safety device.