Electromagnetic Firearm Trigger with Dynamic Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional firearm triggers offer limited flexibility in adjusting the trigger pull force and displacement profile, requiring mechanical adjustments or component changes, which are cumbersome and restrictive in terms of customization.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically variable firing system that allows for electronic adjustment of the trigger pull force-displacement profile using a programmable microcontroller, magnetorheological fluid, or electromagnetic actuators, enabling dynamic changes in resistance force during trigger displacement without mechanical modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical linkages and springs are used to provide adjustable trigger characteristics, then the trigger force-displacement profile can be customized, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and requires physical component changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (linkages, springs, set screws) with an electromagnetic actuator system. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic fields to dynamically adjust the trigger force-displacement profile without requiring physical component changes or mechanical adjustments, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable trigger system where the electromagnetic actuator can change the trigger characteristics in real-time during operation. This allows the trigger force-displacement profile to be modified dynamically through electronic control rather than requiring static mechanical adjustments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If set screws and additional springs are used to adjust trigger characteristics, then the force-displacement profile can be customized, but the adjustment process is time-consuming and restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical adjustment mechanisms (set screws, springs) with an electromagnetic actuator controlled by a microcontroller. This electronic control system can rapidly change trigger characteristics without the time-consuming manual adjustment of mechanical components, significantly reducing the loss of time while maintaining full adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-programmed trigger profiles that can be instantly activated through electronic selection. Instead of requiring time to physically adjust components during use, the system has multiple trigger characteristics pre-configured and can switch between them immediately, eliminating adjustment time while preserving adaptability.
3Productivity
If electromagnetic actuators are used to dynamically adjust trigger force, then quick customization is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to added electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electromagnetic actuator into the existing trigger mechanism structure, allowing it to perform multiple functions: providing the primary trigger force, enabling dynamic adjustment, and potentially serving as part of the firing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electromagnetic actuator with the traditional trigger components, combining electronic control capabilities with mechanical trigger functionality in a unified system. This integration approach allows the electronic components to work synergistically with existing mechanical parts, minimizing the overall complexity increase while achieving rapid trigger customization.
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
Enables quick and customizable adjustment of trigger characteristics, providing a tailored shooting experience with enhanced precision and user preference, while minimizing mechanical complexity and maximizing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator including: a stationary yoke comprising an electromagnet coil operably coupled to an electric power source, the coil having an energized state and a de-energized state
Implementation Method 2
magnetorheological fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetically variable firing system for a firearm includes an electromagnetic actuator including a stationary yoke, a rotating member movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary yoke and operably coupled to a firing mechanism of the firearm, a trigger operable when pulled by a user to move the rotating member between an unactuated position and an actuated position for discharging the firearm, and a magnetic coil when energized generating a user-adjustable magnetic field which changes a trigger pull force required to be exerted by a user on the trigger to discharge the firearm. A programmable microcontroller is configured to selectively energize the coil for discharging the firearm in response to detecting a trigger pull event. The microcontroller in one embodiment is configured to count each energization of the coil as indicative of a firing event and record the firing event and associated time/date stamp.