Electronic Firearm Control System for Reducing Mechanical Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearms with multiple mechanical firing modes face increased complexity and potential for failure due to wear and malfunction, as mechanical systems become more intricate, limiting the feasibility of certain firing modes and increasing the risk of component failure.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an electronically actuated operating system that interfaces with a mechanical firing system, allowing for selective fire modes, including semi-automatic, automatic, and electronic firing modes, using a mode selector mechanism and a solenoid-actuated system to reduce mechanical complexity and enhance operational reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical firing modes are implemented, then firing mode versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring mode versatilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical firing mode selection mechanisms with an electronic control system. A microcontroller receives inputs from multiple switches (trigger switch, mode selector switch, safety switch) and electronically controls the firing mode through a solenoid actuator, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining firing mode versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it controls firing mode selection, integrates safety mechanisms, processes inputs from various switches, and coordinates the solenoid actuator. This multi-functional electronic controller replaces what would traditionally require separate mechanical systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mechanical firing modes are implemented, then firing mode versatility is improved, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring mode versatilityVSAvoidcomponent failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical firing mode control with an electronic system, the patent eliminates wear and tear on mechanical components. The electronic switches, microcontroller, and solenoid actuator have no moving parts that wear, significantly improving reliability while maintaining the ability to provide multiple firing modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system includes self-diagnostic capabilities and automatic safety interlocks that prevent unsafe operating conditions. The system monitors its own state through the various switches and provides feedback control, reducing the risk of component failure and improving overall reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical firing systems are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but shooting accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical system fabricationVSAvoidshooting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical trigger and firing control mechanisms with an electronic system that provides more precise control over the firing process. The electronic switches and microcontroller enable consistent, repeatable firing with minimal variation, improving shooting accuracy while the solenoid actuator provides precise mechanical actuation with reduced play and inconsistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system allows for precise adjustment of firing parameters through software control, enabling optimization of trigger pull force, timing, and solenoid actuation characteristics. This level of parameter control is difficult to achieve with purely mechanical systems, resulting in improved shooting accuracy.

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

This solution reduces mechanical complexity, improves operational reliability, and enhances shooting accuracy by allowing for various firing modes while minimizing uncertainties associated with mechanical systems, thus improving the overall performance and safety of firearms.

Implementation Method 1

an operating system for electronically firing the firearm... a solenoid-actuated system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11898814B2Operating systems for electronically actuated firearms

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 ALICEA JR BENJAMIN

AI summary

There is disclosed herein systems, methods and apparatus relating to a firearm with an operating system for electronically firing the firearm to fire projectiles from the firearm. The operating system includes an electronic firing system with a switch that is actuated by pulling the trigger of the firearm.