Firearm Barrel Blocking Rod with Biometric Authentication
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms lack effective safety mechanisms that can be retrofitted without altering their external shape, and existing solutions either interfere with the trigger or magazine access, or require external keys and power sources, which are inefficient in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A modular safety device with a blocking rod and biometric identification system that fits inside the firearm's barrel, using a lock and user interface to authenticate users, preventing cartridge entry, and featuring communication elements for remote monitoring and alert systems, allowing seamless integration without altering the firearm's external shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a safety device is retrofitted to a firearm, then safety control is improved, but the external shape of the firearm is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is nested within the existing barrel structure of the firearm. The blocking rod fits inside the barrel, and the biometric sensor is integrated into the muzzle end, allowing the safety function to be added without changing the external dimensions or shape of the firearm.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking rod serves multiple functions: it acts as a physical barrier to prevent cartridge insertion, provides a mounting structure for the biometric sensor, and includes a lock mechanism for securing the rod in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components that would alter the external shape.
2Reliability
If a blocking rod is inserted into the barrel to prevent cartridge entry, then safety is improved, but access to the chamber is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical blocking rod is controlled by a biometric authentication system. The rod remains in the blocked position by default for safety, but can be automatically moved to allow chamber access when successful biometric verification occurs, replacing manual mechanical operation with automated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking rod transitions from a static blocked position to a dynamic state that can automatically change based on authentication status. The rod moves between blocked and unblocked positions in response to biometric verification, providing adaptive access control.
3Extent of automation
If a biometric sensor is added to the muzzle end, then user authentication is improved, but the external shape is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric sensor is nested within the muzzle structure of the barrel. The sensor is integrated into the existing muzzle end, utilizing the available space without extending the overall length or changing the external contour of the firearm.
Solution Approach 2:
The biometric sensor is placed specifically at the muzzle end where it can effectively capture fingerprints or other biometric data from users. This localized placement provides the necessary authentication functionality while minimizing impact on the overall external shape.
4Reliability
If a lock mechanism is used to affix the blocking rod, then reliability of the safety device is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is merged with the blocking rod structure itself. The lock is integrated into the rod rather than being a separate component, combining the blocking function and securing function into a single unified mechanism that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position and status of the blocking rod. The system self-regulates the locking state without requiring external intervention, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A modular safety device configured for retrofitting a firearm, the firearm having a barrel including a muzzle and a chamber at a distal end of the barrel, the modular safety device comprising a blocking rod configured to fit inside the barrel including inside the chamber and to block entry of a cartridge into the chamber, the blocking rod having a lock configured to lockingly affix a locking portion of the lock to the barrel; and a biometric identification system integral to a proximal end of the blocking rod adjacent the muzzle and having a user interface surface accessible for a user to input biometric data of the user, wherein the safety device is configured to be within the firearm such that addition of the safety device to the firearm either does not alter an external shape of the firearm or merely juts slightly out of the muzzle.