Firearm Configuration Detection Using Magnetic Sensors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm detection systems, particularly of the mechanical type, are unable to effectively manage configuration changes and transmit information due to their influence on the dynamic behavior of moving parts, leading to potential damage and interference with the firearm's operation.

Innovation Solution

A detection system comprising movable detection devices with magnetic sensor elements positioned on the slide and main body, allowing for non-invasive configuration change detection and information management without material connections, using magnetic sensitivity to communicate wirelessly and minimize invasiveness within the firearm's design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical detection system is used to detect configuration changes, then the detection function is achieved, but the system influences the dynamic behavior of moving parts and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection functionVSAvoidinfluence on dynamic behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical detection system with a magnetic detection system. Magnetic sensor elements detect configuration changes through magnetic field interactions without physical contact, eliminating the harmful mechanical influence on moving parts while maintaining reliable detection functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If electronic components are added to manage detection information, then information management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation management capabilityVSAvoidelectronic hardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs magnetic sensor elements that automatically detect and generate signals for configuration changes without requiring complex electronic management systems. The magnetic field interactions inherently provide the detection and signaling functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining information management capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If detection components are positioned on moving parts, then detection accuracy is improved, but the components are exposed to high accelerations and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcomponent durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer detection information from moving parts to stationary sensor elements. The magnetic sensor elements remain on stationary parts while detecting changes through magnetic field variations, maintaining detection accuracy without exposing electronic components to damaging accelerations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the detection system has small dimensions to minimize interference, then the influence on moving parts is reduced, but the detection capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with moving partsVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection components with magnetic sensor elements that have minimal physical presence. The magnetic field detection mechanism provides reliable detection capability without requiring large mechanical structures, thus minimizing interference with moving parts while maintaining effective detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 detects configuration changes, such as the presence of a bullet or safety catch release, without interfering with the firearm's operation or movement, enabling reliable alerting, storage, or remote transmission of information while maintaining the firearm's structural integrity and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

using magnetic sensitivity to communicate wirelessly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic sensitivity: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3198216B1Firearm with change configuration detection system
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 FABBRICA DARMI PIETRO BERETTA SPA
  • EP3198216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3198216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3198216B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3a

AI summary

A firearm (1) comprising a detection system (10) suitable to detect a configuration change of the firearm from an initial configuration; wherein said detection system (10) comprises : - a detection device (100), on the slide (20) suitable to be moved, starting from an initial position, to a detection position in which it detects a configuration change of the firearm; - an idler device (200), on the slide (20), engaged with the detection device (100) which moves it, wherein the detection device (200), comprises at least one primary sensor element (250); - a receiver device (300), on the main body (5), suitable to receive the information of the configuration change of the firearm from the primary sensor element (250) comprising at least a secondary sensor element (350).