Electromechanical Sear Assembly for Fast Low-Wear Firing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sear assemblies for weapons require manual actuation and suffer from mechanical failures, high transition forces, slow response times, and are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, limiting their functionality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical sear assembly using a trigger sensor and actuator mechanism, controlled by a coil or magnetic field sensors, allows for remote control and reduces mechanical wear by integrating a sear for both semi-automatic and automatic modes, minimizing mechanical failures and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sears are used for semi-automatic and automatic firing modes, then the weapon can operate in both modes, but the mechanical complexity increases and the reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate sears into a single integrated sear component that can control both semi-automatic and automatic firing modes. This single sear works in conjunction with an electromechanical actuator that can selectively engage or disengage the sear from the hammer, providing mode versatility while reducing the number of mechanical parts and potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sear is designed with universal functionality to control both semi-automatic and automatic firing modes. The electromechanical actuator provides multi-functional control by being able to hold the sear in different positions - engaged for automatic mode and disengaged for semi-automatic mode - allowing one component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components.
2Device complexity
If conventional mechanical sear assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the transition force between firing and safe states is high and causes significant mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional purely mechanical sear assembly with an electromechanical system. An electromechanical actuator uses electromagnetic force to move the sear between engaged and disengaged positions, substituting high-force mechanical spring-loaded mechanisms with a more efficient electromechanical translation mechanism. This reduces the transition force required and minimizes mechanical wear on the sear and hammer surfaces.
3Device complexity
If conventional mechanical safety mechanisms are used, then the system is simple, but the transition speed from firing to safe state is slow due to mechanical response limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the slow mechanical response of conventional safety mechanisms with a faster electromechanical actuator. The actuator uses electromagnetic fields to rapidly move the sear from the engaged firing position to the disengaged safe position, achieving much faster state transitions than purely mechanical spring-based systems. This electromagnetic actuation provides rapid response while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
Enhances weapon control by reducing mechanical wear, minimizing transition forces, and providing rapid response with reduced energy consumption, while being robust against environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
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 comprises a coil.
Implementation Method 2
controlled by a coil or magnetic field sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
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.