Firearm Barrel Lock With Flexure Pawl
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a practical and easy-to-use firearm lock that effectively prevents discharge when engaged and allows normal use without hindrance when disengaged, as existing solutions are not sufficiently effective.
Innovation Solution
A firearm lock that can be inserted into the barrel, featuring a user-manipulatable rod with a flexure pawl that cycles between lock and unlock conditions, engaging or disengaging with an interior ridge in the firearm to prevent or allow extraction, utilizing a hollow shaft and a distal end with varying diameters or oval cross-section with tabs and a spring mechanism to secure the lock in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional firearm lock is used, then the firearm can be secured, but the locking mechanism is complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into distinct functional segments: a hollow shaft for insertion, a rod with flexure pawl for engagement, and an oval cross-section mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure pawl automatically engages with the interior ridge when the rod is in the correct position, and the oval cross-section with tabs and spring mechanism self-actuates through rotational motion. The spring-loaded tabs automatically extend to engage the ridge and retract when needed, eliminating the need for complex external actuation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a secure lock engagement is implemented, then firearm discharge is prevented, but the lock may hinder normal firearm use when disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions dynamically between locked and unlocked states through simple rotational motion of the oval cross-section rod. The flexure pawl dynamically engages and disengages from the interior ridge based on the rod's position, allowing rapid transition between secure and usable states without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses changes in the rod's rotational parameter (90-degree rotations) to control the state of the tabs and flexure pawl. At one orientation, the tabs extend to engage the ridge for locking; at the perpendicular orientation, the tabs retract allowing extraction. This parameter-based control simplifies operation while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is simplified for ease of use, then operation becomes easier, but the reliability of preventing discharge may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rod features an asymmetric oval cross-section rather than a circular one, which creates distinct engagement positions. This asymmetry ensures that the tabs and flexure pawl can only engage the interior ridge in the correct locked position, preventing accidental or improper engagement while maintaining simple rotational operation. The asymmetric geometry provides mechanical assurance of proper locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure pawl is designed with curved surfaces that match the curvature of the interior ridge, ensuring reliable engagement through surface contact. The spring-loaded tabs also utilize curved geometry to smoothly engage and disengage from the ridge, providing both ease of operation and dependable locking through geometric constraint rather than complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the distal end engages with the interior ridge to prevent extraction, then the lock is secure, but the engagement mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure pawl acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the interior ridge. Instead of the rod directly engaging the ridge, the flexure pawl mediates the engagement, allowing the rod to remain relatively simple while the pawl provides the necessary engagement function. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall mechanism compared to direct engagement designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure pawl is a flexible, spring-loaded component that can deflect and engage with the interior ridge. This flexible element provides reliable engagement through elastic deformation, allowing the mechanism to maintain simplicity while ensuring secure locking. The flexibility of the pawl allows it to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and maintain consistent engagement force.
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 lock effectively prevents firearm discharge when engaged and allows normal use when disengaged, providing a secure and user-friendly solution for firearm safety.
Implementation Method 1
held in engagement with the surface of the rod by a garter like spring
Data Source
AI summary
A gun lock has a user manipulatable proximate end and a distal end for insertion into a barrel of a firearm. The distal end is spaced from the proximate end by a distance sufficient to allow the distal end to enter the chamber of the firearm when the proximate end is adjacent to but spaced from the barrel of the firearm. The distal end has elements which respond to user manipulation to transit from a first state allowing the distal end to enter and withdraw from the chamber of the firearm and a second state which prevents the distal end from withdrawing from the chamber. With the distal end of the gun lock inserted into the chamber and then transiting to the second state the inability to withdraw the gun lock from the firearm prevents the firearm from normal use.