Firearm Grip Selector Switch Lock with RFID Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm locking mechanisms are externally mounted, leading to issues such as lost or incorrectly secured components, and they do not prevent unauthorized access or immediate use in emergency situations, as they require time to secure or remove.
Innovation Solution
A firearm grip with an internally located selector switch locking mechanism, incorporating a motor, piston, spring, and detent to secure the selector switch in the SAFE position, and an RFID authentication unit to control the engagement unit's position based on user presence, along with a torque limiter to prevent excessive force from disabling the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external locking mechanisms are mounted on the firearm, then the firearm can be secured when not in use, but the components may become lost or be incorrectly secured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the firearm grip itself, making the lock an integrated part of the firearm structure. The actuator is received within the grip, and the engagement member interacts directly with the selector switch, eliminating separate external components that could be lost or missecured.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is nested within the grip structure, with the engagement member extending from the grip to interact with the selector switch. This nesting arrangement keeps all locking components contained within or as part of the grip assembly.
2Reliability
If external locking mechanisms are used, then the firearm can be secured, but they require time to secure or remove which is unacceptable in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication via RFID before requiring physical manipulation. The actuator is automatically positioned based on authentication status, so when authorized, the selector switch is already in the correct position or can be changed immediately without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of securing and removing external locks is replaced with an automated electromagnetic actuator system controlled by RFID authentication, eliminating the time required for manual manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If the selector switch is left accessible, then immediate access to the firearm is possible, but unauthorized users can transition the switch from SAFE to FIRE
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the user and the selector switch. Even though the selector switch remains physically accessible, the actuator controls its position, allowing the switch to be moved only when the actuator is in the retracted position, which occurs only after successful RFID authentication.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip serves multiple functions: it provides the standard gripping function, houses the locking mechanism, and contains the RFID reader. The actuator both locks and unlocks the selector switch, while also automatically transitioning it to SAFE when unauthorized access is detected.
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 solution provides secure and immediate access to the firearm by preventing unauthorized use and ensuring the selector switch remains in the SAFE position unless authenticated, while allowing quick transition to the FIRE position when needed, thus enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A user authentication unit in the form of an RFID interrogator and portable RFID chip
Implementation Method 2
The switch engagement unit including a motor, piston, spring and detent
Implementation Method 3
The switch engagement unit including a motor, piston, spring and detent
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm grip with selector switch lock includes a handgrip for engaging a firearm receiver having a selector switch. A switch engagement unit is positioned within the handgrip. The switch engagement unit including a motor, piston, spring and detent for selectively engaging the selector switch of the receiver to which the handgrip is located. An RFID interrogator is positioned within the handgrip and communicates with a portable RFID chip. Upon detecting the presence of the RFID chip, the switch engagement unit moves the piston to the retracted position for manual free operation of the selector switch. Upon detecting the RFID chip is not within the proximity of the handgrip, the switch engagement unit moves the piston to the extended/SAFE position. A replacement selector switch having a torque limiter is provided.