Firearm Chamber Plug with Magnetic Retrieval Key
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm safety devices are unsuitable for rendering firearms inoperable while allowing repeated cycling and dry firing, as they often require complex mechanisms, are difficult to remove, or can be easily tampered with, leading to potential damage and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A plug-type safety device with a rigid, cylindrical body and a compressible element, combined with a puller key, that obstructs the firearm's chamber to prevent cartridge insertion while allowing dry firing and easy removal without damaging the firearm, featuring a keyway and catch mechanism for secure positioning and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction fit plug is used to obstruct the chamber, then the firearm is rendered inoperable, but the plug requires a long cleaning rod or special tool for removal which is unwieldy and can damage the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a retrieval tool with a magnet as an intermediary device to interact with the ferromagnetic plug. The magnet attracts and holds the plug, enabling easy removal through the muzzle without requiring long cleaning rods or special tools, thus resolving the unwieldiness and damage risk while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is made ferromagnetic, changing its magnetic property parameter. This allows it to be attracted and held by a magnet on the retrieval tool, enabling simple pull-out removal through the muzzle without complex mechanisms or long tools.
2Reliability
If an expandable plug with compression screw is used, then the plug can be securely retained, but the device becomes complex and costly with internal moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the compression screw and expandable mechanism from the plug design. The plug is made simple and rigid with a friction fit, eliminating complex internal moving parts while maintaining secure retention through proper friction design. The complexity is extracted and replaced with a simpler approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a homogeneous rigid structure without internal moving parts or variable mechanisms. This simplicity reduces complexity and cost while the friction fit provides adequate retention for safety applications.
3Reliability
If the plug fit is made tight to prevent cartridge insertion, then safety is improved, but the action cannot be cycled more than once until plug removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the friction fit parameter to an optimal level that provides sufficient safety by preventing cartridge insertion while allowing smooth action cycling. The friction is tuned to be strong enough for safety but weak enough to permit repeated cycling without plug removal.
4Ease of operation
If the O-ring is inserted through the muzzle end for removal, then the plug can be removed, but repeated insertion and removal damages the O-ring and loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the plug through the muzzle end which causes O-ring damage, the patent inverts the removal approach by allowing extraction through the muzzle using a magnet. The magnet attracts the ferromagnetic plug and pulls it out through the muzzle in a controlled manner that minimizes O-ring contact and damage, preserving O-ring effectiveness for repeated use.
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 safe operation of firearms for marketing, training, and education by preventing accidental discharge while minimizing wear and damage, with a simple and cost-effective design that is resistant to unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
The plug may include a compressible element, such as an O-ring, which extends out past the body to exert a force sufficient to snugly retain the body in the chamber against gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm safety device purposed to obstruct the chamber of a firearm to block insertion of a cartridge therein, effectively disabling the firearm. In embodiments, the firearm safety device comprises a plug and a key. The plug may be sized for fitting within the chamber of essentially any firearm. The plug may be inserted into and removed from the firearm through the breech end of the chamber, thereby lessening both wear on the plug and potential damage to the firearm resulting from plug insertion or removal. The key interacts with the plug for easy positioning of the plug within the chamber and pulling removal of the plug out from the breech end of the chamber. Unauthorized removal of the plug is difficult without the key. The safety device enables repeated cycling of the action and dry firing of the firearm enabling the firearm to be handled safely for uses such as for retail sale purposes and for firearm use and safety training.