Firearm Fire Control Mechanism with Integrated Action Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire control mechanisms in shotguns for self-defense lack optimal coordination between the trigger and sear systems and the action lock, leading to potential unintended discharges or failure to discharge, compromising safety and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An action lock mechanism with a locking body movable between locked and unlocked positions, actuated by a return spring and a disengagement spring, ensuring safe and reliable operation by preventing unintended discharges and allowing manual operation for live round extraction, integrated with a trigger and disconnector assembly that includes a hammer sear and cam actuator for coordinated system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the action lock mechanism is integrated with the fire control mechanisms, then coordination between trigger/sear and action lock is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the action lock mechanism with the fire control mechanisms by integrating the locking body, return spring, and disengagement spring into the receiver assembly with the trigger and disconnector. This consolidation ensures coordinated operation between the action lock and fire control systems, preventing unintended discharges while maintaining reliable firing sequences through shared mechanical linkages and synchronized movement.
2Ease of operation
If the locking body is made movable between locked and unlocked positions, then manual operation for live round extraction is enabled, but reliability may be compromised due to additional movement interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed as a movable component that can transition between locked and unlocked positions through controlled mechanical movement. The return spring provides automatic resetting to the locked position, while the disengagement spring enables deliberate unlocking when needed. This dynamic design allows manual operation for live round extraction while maintaining reliability through spring-loaded restoration and coordinated interaction with the fire control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the disengagement spring is added to move the locking body from locked to unlocked position, then manual unlocking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disengagement spring is designed to automatically engage and disengage the locking body based on the operational state of the firearm. During normal firing sequences, the spring self-activates to unlock the action after cartridge ejection. For manual extraction, the spring responds to user input to unlock the locking body. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual unlocking components, adding capability while minimizing complexity increase.
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 the safety and reliability of shotgun operation by preventing unintended discharges and ensuring intended discharges occur correctly, while allowing manual operation for live round extraction, thereby improving overall firearm performance.
Implementation Method 1
A return spring acts between the locking body and the receiver. The return spring biases the locking body into the locked position.
Implementation Method 2
A disengagement spring is movably mountable on the receiver. The disengagement spring has a first portion engaging the locking body and a second portion. A force applied to the second portion of the disengagement spring is transmitted to the locking body for moving the locking body from the locked to the unlocked position.
Data Source
AI summary
Fire control mechanisms for a firearm include a trigger disconnect assembly and an action lock mechanism which work together to ensure safe and reliable firearm operation. The trigger disconnect uses a spring biased disconnector pivotably mounted on the trigger to actuate the sear and release a hammer sear upon firing. The hammer sear engages a compliant interface formed by a spring which actuates the action lock to unlock the bolt after the trigger has been pulled.