Firearm Analyzer Using Electromagnetic Induction for Firing Mode Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm analysis technologies primarily focus on counting shots fired and do not provide detailed analysis of the firing process, limiting the ability to assess firearm wear and maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A firearm analysis device that includes a voltage generation unit, signal processing unit, and signal evaluation unit to generate and analyze alternating voltage signals from the recoil and forward movement of the slide, determining parameters such as velocity, acceleration, and firing modes, using magnetic or piezoelectric elements to derive additional information about firearm usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If shot counters are used to count the number of shots fired, then the basic firing information is obtained, but detailed analysis of the firing process and firearm wear cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring process informationVSAvoidanalysis device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic coil arrangement that converts mechanical movement of the bolt into electrical signals. This intermediary mechanism enables detailed capture of firing process parameters without requiring direct complex sensing of each movement, thus resolving the contradiction between information completeness and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of bolt movement with electrical signal detection through magnetic induction. The magnetic coil arrangement converts mechanical kinetic energy into electrical signals, allowing detailed analysis of firing parameters while avoiding complex mechanical sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If magnetic coil arrangements are used to detect bolt movement, then firing information is captured, but the system requires additional components beyond simple shot counting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring parameter measurementVSAvoidcoil arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coil arrangement serves multiple functions: it detects bolt movement, generates electrical signals for processing, and provides data for both shot counting and detailed firing analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, balancing measurement precision with device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters during bolt movement to generate distinguishable electrical signals. By detecting parameter changes in the magnetic field rather than direct mechanical position, the system achieves precise measurement with a relatively simple coil configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If detailed signal processing is performed to extract firing parameters, then comprehensive firearm analysis is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring data completenessVSAvoidsignal processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of the electrical signal by converting it into a digital measurement signal and generating a reference signal in advance. This preliminary processing organizes the data structure, enabling faster subsequent analysis of firing parameters without requiring complex real-time computation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a reference signal that copies the essential characteristics of the original measurement signal. This reference signal serves as a template for comparison and analysis, reducing the computational burden by working with simplified signal representations rather than raw data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Enables detailed analysis of firearm usage, improving maintenance practices, enhancing safety, and facilitating forensic investigations by providing insights into firearm wear, ammunition type, and firing patterns.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage generation unit produces an alternating voltage signal during the recoil and forward movement of the slide... using magnetic or piezoelectric elements to derive additional information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using magnetic or piezoelectric elements to derive additional information about firearm usage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4707717A2Firearm analyzer
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 HECKLER & KOCH GMBH
  • EP4707717A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707717A2 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4707717A2 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A firearm analysis device for determining the firing mode of a firearm (7) is described. The device comprises a voltage generation unit (401) that generates an alternating voltage (Ue) during the forward and/or reverse movement of a moving part of the firearm (120), a signal processing unit (410) that converts the alternating voltage into electrical energy and stores it in an energy storage device, and a signal evaluation unit (420). The signal evaluation unit remains in activated mode during two consecutive firings if it is supplied with a minimum supply voltage and switches to a non-activated mode if the supply voltage falls below the minimum. The firing mode is determined by checking whether the signal evaluation unit remains in activated mode (continuous fire) or switches to non-activated mode (single fire).The device can be integrated into firearms and enables a reliable distinction between single shots and continuous fire.