Electromechanical Sear Assembly With Coil Sensing for Rapid State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sear assemblies for firearms require manual actuation and suffer from mechanical failures, high transition forces, slow response times, and vulnerability to electromagnetic interference, especially in environments with numerous electromagnetic sources.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical sear assembly using a trigger sensor and actuator to control the sear's interaction with the hammer, allowing seamless transitions between firing and safe states without mechanical contact, utilizing a coil sensor for precise detection and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical sear assemblies are used for firing weapons, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device is vulnerable to mechanical failures, requires high transition forces, and has slow response times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical sear assembly with an electromechanical system comprising an electromagnet, armature, and control circuit. The electromagnet actuates the sear through magnetic force instead of pure mechanical linkage, eliminating wear-prone contact points and reducing the force required for state transitions. This substitution maintains reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an armature as an intermediary component between the electromagnet and the sear mechanism. The armature translates electromagnetic actuation into precise mechanical motion, enabling smooth transitions between firing and safe states without requiring high forces. This intermediary reduces direct mechanical stress and improves response time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sears are used for both semiautomatic and automatic firing modes, then the weapon can operate in multiple modes, but the device complexity increases and mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single electromechanical sear assembly that can operate in both semiautomatic and automatic firing modes through electronic control. The control circuit receives signals from the trigger sensor and automatically actuates the electromagnet to cycle the sear between engaged and disengaged states, enabling automatic firing without requiring separate mechanical sears for each mode. This universal design reduces complexity and mechanical wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical sears with a single electromechanical sear system controlled by electronic circuitry. The control logic determines the appropriate firing mode and actuates the electromagnet accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple mechanical components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Speed
If conventional mechanical safety mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the transition speed from firing state to safe state is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical spring-loaded safety mechanisms with an electromagnet-driven system. The electromagnet can be activated instantaneously by an electronic control circuit when the trigger sensor detects trigger pull, causing immediate actuation of the armature and rapid transition of the sear to the safe state. This electromagnetic actuation achieves millisecond-level response times compared to slower mechanical spring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a trigger sensor that provides feedback to the control circuit about the trigger's position. When the sensor detects that the trigger has been pulled, it immediately signals the control circuit to actuate the electromagnet, which in turn moves the sear to the safe state. This closed-loop feedback system ensures rapid and reliable state transitions based on real-time trigger position information.
4Extent of automation
If manual actuation of sear assemblies is used, then the device is simple to operate, but remote control capability is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual actuation of the sear mechanism with an electromagnet-driven system controlled by electronic circuits. The trigger sensor detects trigger pull and automatically triggers the electromagnet to actuate the sear, eliminating the need for direct manual manipulation of the sear components. This automation enables remote control capability while maintaining ease of operation through simple trigger activation.
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
Minimizes mechanical failures, reduces transition forces, and provides rapid state changes with enhanced reliability and resistance to electromagnetic interference, enabling efficient and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the trigger sensor comprises a coil
Data Source
AI summary
A sear assembly for a weapon, the weapon comprising a hammer adapted to contact with the sear assembly and a trigger disconnected from the sear assembly, the sear assembly comprises a sear for mechanically engaging a sear surface on the hammer, a lever mechanically coupled by one end to the sear, the lever comprising a contact surface that causes the rotation of the sear, an actuator that actuates the lever by means of a cam, and a trigger sensor that is configured to determine if the trigger is pulled. In this regard, the trigger sensor is a coil. The sear assembly comprises a firing state and a safe state.