Firearm Electronic Device Acceleration Resistant Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm-associated electronic devices face challenges in securely holding replaceable components during extreme accelerations and inadvertent releases, particularly due to the need for small fasteners that are easily lost and difficult to manipulate.
Innovation Solution
A latching system with a door and housing latch mechanism, biased by a spring, that securely holds a removable component during firearm discharge and prevents inadvertent release, allowing tool-free and fastener-free installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small fasteners are used to secure replaceable components, then the device size is reduced, but the fasteners become easily lost and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional fastener component entirely and replaces it with a latch mechanism that integrates directly into the door assembly. The door latch protrusion engages with a corresponding recess in the housing, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and their associated handling difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is merged with the door assembly, combining the door function and latching function into a single integrated component. The door latch protrusion is formed as part of the door structure, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying both operation and assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to secure replaceable components, then secure attachment is achieved, but tool and fastener free removal becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring external tools. The door can be opened and closed by manual manipulation of the door latch protrusion, allowing users to independently service and replace components without tool assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static fastened state to a dynamic manually-operable state. The door latch protrusion can be manually moved between latched and unlatched positions, enabling quick and easy component replacement through simple manual action rather than complex tool-based operations.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is designed to prevent inadvertent release, then security during transport is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into two simple complementary components: a door latch protrusion and a corresponding recess in the housing. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while their combination provides secure latching, avoiding the need for complex multi-component mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to prevent release, the design inverts the approach by using a simple geometric interlock where the door latch protrusion fits into a recess. The simplicity of the geometric shape provides inherent security against inadvertent release without requiring complex locking features.
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 system effectively maintains secure attachment during high accelerations and accidental contacts, while enabling quick and intuitive access to replaceable components without the need for tools or fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
A housing latch biasing member biases the housing latch into the second latch position
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm associated electronic devices are provided. In one aspect a firearm associated device has a housing having a holding area and an opening through which a removable component may be positioned in the holding area, a door movable relative to the housing and having a door latch that moves along a path as the door moves and a housing latch movable between a first latch position where the housing latch is not in the path to a second latch position where the housing latch blocks movement of the door latch from a first range of positions where the door prevents the removable component from passing through the opening to a second range of positions where the door does not prevent the removable component from passing through the opening. A housing latch biasing member biases the housing latch into the second latch position. When the door latch is in the first range of positions and the housing latch is in the second latch position the door latch is movable along the path but is blocked by the housing latch from passing to the second range of positions.