Electronic Trigger Lock Using Biometric Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical gun locks can be easily compromised and do not restrict access to authorized users, as they can be opened with a duplicated key or by anyone in possession of a key.
Innovation Solution
A battery-powered trigger-locking device with a data receiver, memory, and logic device that requires a matching electronic gun key signal, including a password or biometric data, to unlock the gun, ensuring only authorized users can fire the weapon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical key-based gun locks are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to easy duplication and compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic authentication system using biometric sensors (fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition) and electromagnetic actuators. This substitution eliminates the security vulnerabilities of mechanical keys while maintaining user-friendly operation through automated biometric verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple authorized user profiles stored in memory, allowing the gun lock to recognize and authenticate multiple authorized individuals. Each user's biometric data is stored as a template, enabling the system to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized users while maintaining ease of operation for all authorized users.
2Device complexity
If mechanical key-based gun locks are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as access cannot be restricted to authorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic access control system where the authorized user list stored in memory can be modified through remote wireless communication. The system can add, remove, or update authorized users without physical intervention in the locking mechanism, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through modular electronic components.
3Reliability
If electronic authentication with biometric data is implemented, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple authentication methods (fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition) within a single device, allowing the system to use whichever biometric modality is most convenient or reliable in a given situation. This multi-functionality approach enhances security through multiple layers of authentication while managing device complexity by consolidating functions into a unified electronic control system.
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
The solution effectively prevents unauthorized use of the gun by requiring a secure data match, enhancing gun safety by restricting access to the gun owner or licensed individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-locking member to an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A battery-powered trigger-locking device, which is configured to be disposed on a gun with a trigger for firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the gun to be fired. A separate electronic gun key is provided to transmit gun unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This gun unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.