Firearm Blocker Mechanism Preventing Accidental Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms lack a reliable mechanism to prevent discharge without a trigger pull, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
An auto-loading firearm with a striker firing mechanism that includes a blocker movable between blocking and non-blocking positions, controlled by a blocker lifter linked to the trigger mechanism, ensuring the striker can only discharge when the trigger is pulled, preventing accidental firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a striker firing mechanism is used without a blocker, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental discharge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocker is positioned in advance to obstruct the striker's path before firing occurs. The biasing member pre-loads the blocker into the blocking position, ensuring the striker cannot reach the cartridge unless the trigger is pulled. This preliminary positioning of safety components resolves the contradiction by adding minimal complexity while maximizing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocker acts as an intermediary element between the striker and the cartridge. It mediates the firing process by selectively allowing or preventing the striker from contacting the cartridge based on trigger activation. This intermediary component adds reliability without requiring complete redesign of the firing mechanism.
2Reliability
If a blocker mechanism is added to prevent accidental discharge, then the reliability of preventing accidental discharge is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firing mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the striker, the blocker, the biasing member, and the trigger mechanism. Each component has a specific function, and the blocker is a separate, simple element that can be independently positioned and actuated. This segmentation allows the complexity to be managed and distributed, adding reliability without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically maintains the blocker in the blocking position without requiring external control. The spring-loaded or elastomeric biasing member self-regulates the blocker's position, ensuring safety without adding complex control systems. This self-service approach improves reliability while minimizing the complexity of control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If the blocker is held in the blocking position without a biasing member, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the trigger mechanism cannot reliably actuate the blocker
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as a counterforce mechanism, providing a spring-loaded or elastomeric force that opposes the blocker's movement. This counterforce ensures the blocker is reliably pushed into the blocking position and can be cleanly actuated by the trigger mechanism. The biasing member's force compensates for friction and mechanical resistance, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.
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 mechanism effectively prevents discharge without a trigger pull, enhancing safety by ensuring the firearm can only be fired intentionally, thereby reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member urging the blocker into the blocking position
Implementation Method 2
Pulling the trigger rotates the blocker lifter which engages and moves the blocker from the blocking position to the non-blocking position
Implementation Method 3
The rotation of the blocker lifter engages and rotates the sear to release the striker from the cocked position for discharging the firearm
Data Source
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AI summary
A striker-fired firearm in one embodiment includes a firing mechanism having a spring-biased blocker movable into and out of t he linear path traveled by the striker to reach a chambered cartridge. A sear operates to hold the striker in a cocked position, A blocker lifter actuated by a trigger mechanism via a trigger pull raises the blocker and actuates the sear to release the striker for discharging the firearm. Upon release of the trigger, the blocker automatically returns to a blocking position obstructing the linear travel path of the striker to disable the firing mechanism.