Firearm Lock Mechanism with Progressive Trigger Pull Force Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearms exhibit high double-action trigger pull forces, which have not been significantly reduced by existing modifications, making them cumbersome to operate.
Innovation Solution
The lock mechanism incorporates a trigger and hammer pivot system with a spring resistance mechanism, where the trigger pivots from a preparatory to an imminent release position, driving the hammer and increasing an intermediate angle to reduce trigger pull forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lock mechanism design is used, then the firearm can fire, but the double-action trigger pull force is excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistive force variable rather than constant. The spring mechanism provides progressive resistance where the trigger pull force decreases as the trigger moves from the preparatory position to the imminent release position. This dynamic force profile resolves the contradiction by allowing the trigger to be pulled with high initial force (overcoming the cocking resistance) but then requiring progressively less force, making the overall operation easier and more controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resistive force from a constant high value to a variable decreasing value throughout the trigger's range of motion. By positioning the spring connection point to create an intermediate angle that increases during trigger movement, the system transforms the force characteristic, allowing the trigger pull force to decrease progressively as the trigger approaches the release position, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining firing capability and reducing operational difficulty.
2Ease of operation
If the spring resists hammer pivoting strongly, then the trigger pull force remains high, but if the spring resistance is reduced, then the trigger pull force becomes too low to reliably cock the hammer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this reliability-ease of operation contradiction through dynamic force progression. The spring provides strong initial resistance when the trigger is in the preparatory position, ensuring reliable hammer cocking. As the trigger moves toward the imminent release position, the intermediate angle increases and the spring's resistive effect diminishes, allowing the trigger pull force to decrease naturally. This dynamic adjustment ensures both reliable cocking and ease of operation throughout the trigger's travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the spring mechanism to provide maximum resistance at the beginning of the trigger's movement (preparatory position), ensuring the hammer is reliably cocked before the trigger begins its release motion. As the trigger progresses through its range of motion, the resistance is naturally reduced, allowing the system to maintain reliability during the critical cocking phase while enabling easier operation during the release phase.
3Ease of operation
If the intermediate angle increases during hammer pivoting, then the trigger pull force decreases progressively, but the geometric complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically configuring the spatial relationship of three key points (trigger pivot point, hammer pivot point, and spring connection point) to create the intermediate angle. Rather than complicating the entire mechanism, the invention focuses on the local geometric arrangement of these specific connection points. By positioning the spring connection point at a specific location that creates the desired intermediate angle, the system achieves progressive trigger pull force reduction with minimal additional geometric complexity, resolving the contradiction between improved operation and increased device 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
This design facilitates firing in double-action mode with a significantly decreasing trigger pull force, achieving a relatively low magnitude of force compared to conventional firearms, enhancing operational ease and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably connected to the stirrup at a spring connection point. Progressive pivoting of the trigger about the trigger pivot point, from a preparatory trigger position to an imminent release trigger position, drives corresponding progressive pivoting of the hammer about the hammer pivot point, from a preparatory hammer position to an imminent release hammer position. The spring selectively resists pivoting of the hammer from the preparatory hammer position to the imminent release hammer position.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm lock mechanism includes a trigger, a hammer, a stirrup connected to the hammer at a stirrup connection point, and a spring operably connected to the stirrup at a spring connection point. Progressive pivoting of the trigger drives corresponding progressive pivoting of the hammer. The stirrup connection point is disposed forward of the hammer pivot point. One of the spring connection point, hammer pivot point, and stirrup connection point is offset relative to and laterally spaced between the others of the points to be a vertex of an intermediate angle cooperatively defined by the points. The angle increases in magnitude as the trigger drives pivoting of the hammer. A toggle line is defined between the trigger pivot point and the hammer pivot point. The trigger contacts the hammer at a contact point that shifts across the toggle line as the trigger drives pivoting of the hammer.