Cam-Actuated Trigger Assembly for Pneumatic Gun Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically-operated pneumatic guns suffer from poorer trigger feel and responsiveness, as well as less-efficient valve operation compared to electronically-operated models, which affects gameplay and durability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically-operated trigger assembly with a cam-shaped contact surface and roller bearing contact surfaces, along with an improved valve assembly using a face seal, pin valve, and plug members, which reduces friction and enhances the force transfer mechanism, allowing for easier actuation and improved valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mechanical trigger assembly is used, then the gun can be operated mechanically, but the trigger feel and responsiveness are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved cam surfaces instead of flat contact surfaces in the trigger assembly. The cam-shaped contact surface on the trigger and the corresponding curved surface on the actuator create a rolling contact mechanism that significantly improves trigger feel and responsiveness while maintaining reliable mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly incorporates a dynamic cam mechanism that transforms the linear trigger pull into a rotational motion of the actuator. This dynamic transformation optimizes the force application throughout the trigger stroke, enhancing both the operational feel and the reliability of valve actuation.
2Productivity
If a traditional mechanical valve assembly is used, then the valve can be actuated mechanically, but the valve operation is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly utilizes a cam mechanism with curved contact surfaces that convert the actuator's rotational motion into efficient linear motion of the valve stem. This curved surface interaction reduces sliding friction and improves the efficiency of valve operation while enhancing durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the valve stem, transforming and optimizing the force transmission. This intermediate mechanical element improves the efficiency of valve actuation while distributing wear more evenly, thereby enhancing reliability.
3Device complexity
If the trigger contact surface contacts the valve actuator directly, then the structure is simpler, but the trigger and valve assemblies cannot be positioned in ideal locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the force transmission path into separate functional segments: the trigger assembly, the actuator mechanism, and the valve assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and positioned in ideal locations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the cam-based force multiplication.
4Reliability
If high trigger pull force is required, then the valve can be actuated reliably, but the player cannot easily achieve consistent rates of fire and gun movement during trigger pull reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism with its curved surfaces provides force multiplication during the trigger stroke. The geometry of the cam profile is designed to provide mechanical advantage, reducing the trigger pull force required while ensuring reliable valve actuation. This enables players to achieve consistent rates of fire with minimal gun movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the force parameter throughout the trigger stroke, providing high force multiplication at the beginning of the stroke and reducing the required pull force. This dynamic parameter change allows for reliable valve actuation with low and consistent trigger pull force, improving both reliability and rate of fire consistency.
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 enhances trigger feel and operation, reduces the required trigger pull force, and improves the durability and reliability of the valve assembly, enabling consistent rates of fire and improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The cam action multiplies the force applied to the actuator (or lever arm) by the trigger and thereby significantly reduces the required trigger pull force needed to actuate the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
The actuator also preferably includes roller bearing contact surfaces for contacting both the trigger and the valve. The roller bearing contact surfaces reduce friction
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger assembly and mechanically-actuated pneumatic valve provide improved feel and performance for a pneumatic gun. The trigger assembly can include a trigger having a cam-shaped contact surface. A separate actuator can be arranged between the trigger and a valve actuator. The contact surface of the trigger contacts the actuator to cause a contact surface of the actuator to actuate the valve actuator. Roller bearing contact surfaces can be provided on one or both ends of the actuator to reduce friction between the contact surfaces. The valve actuator may control a face seal, pin valve, and plug member to control distribution of gas within the valve. The face seal and pin valve members can redundantly seal an exhaust port. The plug member can seal off an input port during a firing operation of the pneumatic gun to improve gas efficiency.