Firearm Lock with Bidirectional Shaft and Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gun safety devices are inadequate in preventing unauthorized use, particularly when coupled with muzzle devices like flash hiders or compensators, as they lack robust anti-tampering mechanisms and are prone to compromise through brute force, cutting, or drilling.
Innovation Solution
A gun safety device featuring a lock housing with a bidirectional rotatable shaft, cam mechanism, and self-protective cage-like structure that secures the muzzle device and firearm barrel, incorporating a semi-flexible wand to prevent ammunition loading and a pyric disk to deter tampering, made from durable materials like stainless steel to enhance structural integrity and anti-tampering properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing gun safety devices are used, then basic locking function is provided, but they are prone to compromise through brute force, cutting, or drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the bidirectional shaft is positioned within the cam mechanism, which is itself contained within the lock housing. The muzzle device is nested within the receptacle component. This nested arrangement allows multiple protective layers without proportionally increasing external dimensions, providing enhanced anti-tampering capability while controlling overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock housing is divided into distinct functional components: a receptacle component for holding the muzzle device, a cam mechanism for axial movement, and a bidirectional shaft for rotational locking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive security against various tampering methods.
2Reliability
If robust anti-tampering mechanisms are added, then safety against brute force and cutting is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional shaft serves multiple functions: it provides rotational locking when turned clockwise, offers resistance to brute force attempts, and can be integrated with the cam mechanism for axial movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining robust anti-tampering properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cam mechanism and bidirectional shaft into an integrated assembly where the shaft is positioned within the cam. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, decreasing manufacturing complexity and cost while providing combined protective functions against both rotational and linear tampering attempts.
3Strength
If a lock mechanism with cam and bidirectional shaft is implemented, then structural integrity is strengthened, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional shaft is designed with asymmetric engagement features that provide strong structural integrity in the locked position while allowing controlled movement during operation. The cam mechanism features asymmetric profiles that convert rotational motion into axial movement, creating a mechanically advantageous structure that strengthens the overall assembly without requiring additional components.
4Reliability
If self-protective cage-like structure is added, then protection against tampering and defeat is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically engage the bidirectional shaft and cam mechanism as preliminary protective actions when the firearm is stored. This preliminary engagement creates a pre-established protective barrier against tampering attempts, eliminating the need for additional active protection systems and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 device effectively prevents unauthorized use by securely locking the firearm, resisting tampering attempts through axial movement of the cam and bidirectional shaft, and self-destructing mechanisms to protect against brute force and cutting, thereby enhancing safety and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A cam is coupled to the lock mechanism shaft such that rotational movement of the lock mechanism shaft causes axial movement of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling access to a firearm having a muzzle with a muzzle device. The device includes a lock housing with a cavity to receive the muzzle device and a portion of the barrel. The device also includes a lock mechanism shaft coupled to a lock mechanism that is configured for rotational movement upon actuation of the lock mechanism. The lock mechanism shaft is coupled to a cam that moves axially upon rotation of the lock mechanism shaft. A bidirectional rotatable shaft is coupled to the cam and is insertable into the muzzle of the firearm occupying the full length of the firearm's muzzle device, barrel and chamber. The device also includes a plurality of arms coupled to a perimeter of the cam and arranged for pivotal and radial movement to secure the firearm muzzle in the cavity of the lock housing. A plurality of tabs are arranged on the arms for engagement with the muzzle device to retain the muzzle device within the lock housing.