Firearm Safety Lever Detent Spring Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm safety mechanisms face challenges in design, including functionality, number of parts, feedback provision, manufacturing ease, and installation complexity, particularly in achieving distinct safe and fire positions without perching between them.
Innovation Solution
A firearm safety assembly utilizing a lever detent spring system, where a detent spring is pivotally coupled to a firearm frame, providing two distinct positions with positive feedback and customizable properties, and is designed to fit within the frame without increasing its width, using a minimal number of parts and simple manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional safety mechanism design is used, then the firearm can achieve basic safety functionality, but the mechanism may perch between positions and requires more parts and complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detent spring and lever into a single integrated assembly that pivots together at a shared pivot point. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate detent springs and levers found in traditional designs, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the safety function. The integrated assembly moves as one unit between safe and fire positions, preventing the perching issue through unified mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever in this patent serves multiple functions: it acts as both the operating component for switching between safe and fire positions and as part of the detent mechanism itself. The lever incorporates the blocking feature that prevents accidental firing while also providing the user interface for position changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If a traditional safety mechanism design is used, then the firearm can achieve basic safety functionality, but the manufacturing and installation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detent spring and lever are manufactured as a single integrated component or pre-assembled unit that installs together in one operation. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate precision parts that need to be produced and assembled, while the unified design ensures proper alignment and reduces installation complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If a compact safety mechanism is used, then the firearm maintains a lightweight design, but the mechanism must prevent perching between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism uses a dynamic spring-loaded detent system that provides active force to maintain stable positions. The spring continuously applies force to keep the lever engaged in either the safe or fire position, creating a dynamic stability mechanism that prevents perching without requiring additional weight for passive stabilization methods.
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 a reliable, easy-to-install, and cost-effective firearm safety mechanism that prevents accidental firing by ensuring the assembly cannot remain in a mid-stroke position, offering positive feedback and maintaining a compact, lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
a detent spring pivotally coupled to the frame at a second frame pivot point and in contact with the first lever at an assembly pivot point; wherein the detent spring is under compression
Data Source
AI summary
A two-position firearm safety assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a lever detent spring and a first lever, both of which are pivotally coupled to a firearm frame. The assembly can also include a second lever and a link connecting the two levers. The detent spring is in contact with the link and/or the first lever at an assembly pivot point, putting the detent spring in compression. The compression force on the detent spring provides two distinct safety assembly positions (e.g., fire and safe positions), and prevents the safety assembly from perching between the two-positions. The properties of the detent spring (e.g., the material, shape, hardness, spring constant, pre-compression in the safety assembly, etc.) can be customized as desired to adjust the properties of the safety assembly, such as the forces needed to toggle the assembly.