Firearm Discharge Blocking Device with Rotating Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a growing concern of accidental, negligent, or unauthorized discharges from firearms, particularly handguns, due to unintentional loading, improper handling, mechanical issues, and misuse, leading to injuries and fatalities without effective prevention means.
Innovation Solution
A discharge blocking device is introduced, featuring a cover and locking mechanism with a rotating projection that can lock the trigger bar in place, requiring authorized user identification to unlock and allow firing, incorporating electronic and mechanical locks, biometric identification, and a power storage unit to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a discharge blocking device is added to prevent accidental and unauthorized discharges, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge blocking device is nested within the magazine housing, with the rotating locking element integrated into the cover structure. The locking mechanism is contained within the base, creating a compact nested arrangement that adds safety functionality without significantly increasing external device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge blocking device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the cover serves as both a protective enclosure and a mounting structure for the rotating locking element, while the base integrates the locking mechanism and power storage unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with rotating projection is implemented to block trigger bar movement, then discharge prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamically rotating projection that can transition between blocking and non-blocking positions. The rotating element can be rotated by the motor to engage with the trigger bar and prevent discharge, or rotated away to allow normal operation. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to switch between safety mode and operational mode
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical locking systems with an electromechanical system that uses a motor to rotate the locking element. This substitution allows for more controlled and precise operation of the locking mechanism, enabling authorized users to easily engage and disengage the safety feature through electronic control rather than complex mechanical manipulation
3Reliability
If biometric identification and electronic locks are added to control discharge, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with electronic and biometric identification systems. The biometric sensor captures user characteristics, the processor compares them against stored data, and the motor actuates the locking element based on authentication results. This substitution provides more secure access control while enabling features like multiple authorized users and remote deactivation
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it authenticates users through biometric recognition, controls the locking mechanism, provides user feedback through indicators, and can be programmed with multiple authorized user profiles. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated control unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A discharge blocking device is compatible with a firearm having a magazine housing and a trigger bar. The trigger bar has a range of motion between a forward released position and a rearward discharge position. The discharge blocking device comprises a cover configured to be removably received in the magazine housing; a locking mechanism connected to the cover; and a rotating locking element connected to the locking mechanism and having a rotating projection configured to at least partially rotate between a locked state and an unlocked state. The rotating projection is configured to prevent movement of the trigger bar to the reward discharge position and prevent extraction of the discharge blocking device from the magazine housing when in the locked state; and enable movement of the trigger bar to the reward discharge position and enable extraction of the discharge blocking device from the magazine housing when in the unlocked state.