Firearm Breechblock Locking Mechanism for Rapid Safe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm safety systems either require excessive time to transition from a safe to a functional state or prevent authorized users from using the firearm due to malfunctioning user verification systems, limiting their effectiveness in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A safety system for firearms that includes an engagement member rotatable between unlock and lock positions, coupled with a lock mechanism and user interface, allowing quick transition to a functional state while maintaining a separation distance between the firing pin and primer, and enabling authorized user access through biometric or electronic verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure container is used to store the firearm, then unauthorized access is prevented, but access time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the firearm from the secure container, using only a locking apparatus attached to the firearm itself. This eliminates the need to open a container while maintaining security through the locking mechanism that prevents trigger actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus is extracted from a container-based system and applied directly to the firearm. The lock can be quickly engaged or disengaged without the time-consuming process of opening a secure container, while still providing reliable security.
2Reliability
If a locking apparatus is attached to the firearm, then unauthorized discharge is prevented, but transition to functional state takes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The locking apparatus uses a dynamic design where the trigger guard can be quickly moved between locked and unlocked positions. The spring mechanism enables rapid transition by automatically returning the trigger guard to its original position after being displaced, allowing fast engagement and disengagement without manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the trigger guard to its locked position after disengagement. This eliminates the need for the user to manually reposition components during the transition process, significantly reducing the time required to move from safe to functional state.
3Reliability
If user verification system is used, then authorized user confirmation is achieved, but system malfunction can prevent authorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system removes complex electronic user verification components and replaces them with a simple mechanical locking apparatus. This eliminates the risk of electronic malfunction while maintaining security, as the mechanical system has no moving parts that can fail electronically and requires only physical manipulation to engage or disengage.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for the making safe of a firearm. A safety system includes a lock mechanism coupled to an engagement member and a user interface. The engagement member is movably coupled to the firearm and rotatable between an unlock position and a lock position. A contact face of the engagement member is in contact with an outer surface of a distal portion of a breechblock in the lock position and precludes a distal movement of the breechblock. The engagement member is configured to transition between the lock position and the unlock position while remaining movably coupled to the handgun. Movement of the engagement member from the lock position is restricted by the lock mechanism until disengaged via the user interface.