Dual Trigger Safety Locks for Toy Crossbow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy projectile launchers lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent inadvertent discharge due to improper configuration of projectiles and potential contact between the cocking slide and rapidly returning energy generating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two trigger safety locks, comprising a trigger lock element, a slide lock element, and a projectile lock element, which ensure the trigger is only operable when a properly configured projectile is loaded and the cocking slide is safely out of the way, preventing accidental discharge of improperly configured projectiles and contact with the energy generating mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single trigger safety lock is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing inadvertent discharge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The safety lock mechanism is divided into three independent lock elements (trigger lock element, slide lock element, projectile lock element), each responsible for a specific safety function. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through multiple independent safety checks while keeping each individual lock element relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock elements are designed to engage in advance before the trigger can be actuated. The trigger lock element is held in a locked position by the slide lock element and projectile lock element before firing, ensuring that safety conditions are verified beforehand. This preliminary locking action prevents inadvertent discharge by requiring deliberate manual intervention to disengage all locks.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger is always operable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety against improper projectile discharge is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger lock element acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the firing mechanism. It is held in a locked position by the slide lock element and projectile lock element, which verify proper projectile configuration. This intermediary mechanism allows the trigger to remain physically accessible (maintaining ease of operation) while preventing harmful discharge through automated safety verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectile lock element is designed to automatically engage or disengage based on the presence and configuration of the projectile itself. When a properly configured projectile is inserted, it automatically actuates the projectile lock element to disengage, allowing trigger operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual safety checks while maintaining safety against improper projectiles.
3Ease of operation
If the cocking slide is allowed to contact the energy generating mechanism, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety against accidental discharge is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slide lock element serves as an intermediary between the cocking slide and the trigger lock element. It is positioned to engage with the trigger lock element and prevent trigger actuation while the cocking slide is in motion or in an unsafe position. This intermediary mechanism allows the cocking slide to move freely for normal operation while automatically blocking the trigger path when safety conditions are not met.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide lock element is designed to preemptively engage with the trigger lock element before any harmful contact between the cocking slide and energy generating mechanism can occur. By establishing this preliminary lock, the system prevents the sequence of events that could lead to accidental discharge, while not interfering with the normal cocking operation when properly performed.
Data Source
AI summary
Crossbows having two trigger safety locks. Operatively connected to a trigger is a trigger lock element that in one position prevents the trigger from moving. To prevent inadvertent contact between a cocking slide and a released stretched cord of the crossbow, a slide lock element engages the trigger lock element until the slide lock element is disengaged by the cocking slide moving out of the way. To prevent an improperly configured projectile from being discharged a projectile lock element engages the trigger lock element until a properly configured projectile is loaded onto a drum causing the projectile lock element to disengage from the trigger lock element.