Electromagnetic Firearm Trigger with Programmable Force Control

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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 and displacement profile using a programmable microcontroller, magnetorheological fluid, or electromagnetic actuators, enabling dynamic and customizable resistance changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical linkages and springs are used to provide adjustable trigger characteristics, then the trigger force and displacement profile can be customized, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and requires physical component changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger force-displacement profile customizationVSAvoidadjustment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (set screws, springs, linkages) with an electromagnetic actuator system. The electromagnetic actuator uses magnetic fields to dynamically adjust the trigger pull force and displacement profile without requiring physical component changes or manual mechanical adjustments, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable trigger system where the electromagnetic actuator can change the trigger force-displacement profile in real-time based on user input or programming. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different shooting preferences without manual intervention, eliminating the need for cumbersome mechanical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If set screws and additional springs are used to adjust trigger characteristics, then the force-displacement profile can be modified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger profile adjustmentVSAvoidtrigger mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions within a single component: it adjusts trigger pull force, modifies displacement profile, and can be programmed for different adjustment patterns. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanical components (set screws, springs, linkages), thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the electromagnetic actuator (current magnitude, pulse duration, magnetic field strength) to achieve different trigger profiles. This parameter-based control eliminates the need for multiple mechanical components with different physical configurations, simplifying the overall device structure while providing versatile adjustment capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 easy customization of the trigger pull force and displacement profile without mechanical adjustments, providing a tailored shooting experience and improved user preference alignment.

Implementation Method 1

magnetorheological fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetorheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11300378B2Electromagnetic firing system for firearm with interruptable trigger control

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 STURM RUGER & CO INC

AI summary

An interruptible electronic trigger system for firearms includes a trigger unit comprising an electromagnetic actuator operably coupled to the firing mechanism and a programmable trigger microcontroller. The actuator is changeable between a non-powered unactuated position and powered actuated firing position. Upon detecting user initiated trigger activity, the trigger microcontroller transmits a shot initiated signal to an adaptive optics unit of a fire control targeting system mounted to the firearm when the trigger activity exceeds a preprogrammed trigger setpoint. A targeting microcontroller returns a shot authorization signal to the trigger microcontroller after performing ballistics computations based on sensor input and displaying a corrected reticle on the optics unit sight for user visual alignment with the target. Multiple trigger setpoints may be programmed to confirm continued intent to fire. The trigger microcontroller may deactivate the actuator and permit manual firing when preprogrammed maximum trigger force/displacement limits are exceeded.