Dual-Trigger Firearm Safety Mechanism Preventing Accidental Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-automatic firearms with hammer-fired mechanisms are prone to unintended discharge due to accidental trigger activation from straps or environmental contacts, posing risks of injury, death, and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular drop-in safety trigger assembly comprising a primary trigger, a secondary trigger, and a trigger stop with a stop riser that limits the trigger sear interface between the primary trigger and the firearm's hammer, requiring deliberate action to break the sear interface and discharge the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional trigger assembly is used, then the firearm can be easily operated, but the risk of unintended discharge increases due to accidental trigger activation from straps or environmental contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is divided into a primary trigger and a secondary trigger that must both be actuated to discharge the firearm. This segmentation creates an additional safety layer where straps or environmental contacts would need to simultaneously activate both triggers to cause unintended discharge, significantly reducing the risk compared to a single-trigger system.
Solution Approach 2:
A trigger stop with stop riser acts as an intermediary component that physically blocks the primary trigger from fully disengaging the sear interface unless the secondary trigger is first actuated. This intermediary mechanism prevents accidental activation while allowing intentional dual-trigger operation.
2Reliability
If a trigger stop with stop riser is introduced to prevent accidental discharge, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger stop is segmented into distinct functional elements (stop body, stop riser, and engagement surfaces) that work together with the dual-trigger system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific safety function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates with existing firearm mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the trigger sear interface is limited by the stop riser, then accidental pulling is prevented, but more force is required to actuate the trigger intentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary trigger must be actuated first as a preliminary action to move the trigger stop and enable the primary trigger to fully disengage the sear. This preliminary action ensures that intentional discharge requires a deliberate two-step process, preventing accidental pulling while distributing the required force across two separate trigger activations rather than one high-force activation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an enhanced fire control system for firearms having semi-automatic firing mechanisms. The system comprises a primary trigger, a secondary trigger, and a trigger stop having a stop riser. The trigger stop's stop riser limits breaking a trigger sear interface between the primary trigger and the firearm's hammer. The system is intended to reduce the risk of a firearm being unintentionally discharged as a result of the trigger being contacted with straps or other equipment the user is carrying or wearing, or as a result of contact with something in the environment.