Firearm Barrel Safety Lock With Authorized Release Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm storage solutions fail to securely prevent unauthorized removal and operation while allowing authorized access, as they can be forced open, and lack recording of access attempts and user information.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base and a safety unit integrated into the firearm's barrel or cartridge chamber, featuring a controller that secures and releases the safety unit based on user authentication, ensuring only authorized individuals can remove and operate the firearm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a firearm is stored in a locked safe or case, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the firearm cannot be kept visible and access requires keys or biometric data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidvisibility and accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety unit is divided into separate functional components: a first safety section that can be introduced into the barrel and a second safety section that can be introduced into the cartridge chamber. This segmentation allows the security system to be distributed across multiple attachment points, enhancing security while maintaining visibility and ease of authorized access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety unit is designed to be nested within the firearm structure itself, with components that can be introduced into the barrel and cartridge chamber. This nesting approach provides secure attachment without requiring external locked containers, keeping the firearm visible and easily accessible to authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical fastenings are used to secure the firearm, then the firearm is kept visible, but the fastenings can be easily forced open by unauthorized persons

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidresistance to forced entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety unit incorporates dynamic elements including spring-loaded locking mechanisms and movable locking elements that can be actuated by unauthorized force attempts. These dynamic features allow the system to respond to forced entry attempts by increasing resistance or triggering alarm functions, transforming static mechanical fastenings into adaptive security mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback from sensors that detect attempts to manipulate or force the safety unit. This feedback triggers appropriate responses such as strengthening the locking engagement, activating alarms, or notifying authorized users, thereby enhancing resistance to forced entry based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then security is provided, but information about access attempts and user identity is not recorded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccess logging and accountability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the safety unit's state and records all access events including successful authorizations, failed attempts, and system status changes. This feedback mechanism creates a complete audit trail of who accessed the firearm, when, and under what conditions, providing accountability while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the safety unit and the user, mediating all access attempts by verifying authorization and recording the interaction. This intermediary function enables comprehensive logging of access information without compromising the security of the locking mechanisms themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the safety unit is securely attached to the firearm, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but authorized removal requires complex authentication processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized removalVSAvoidspeed of authorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of authorization credentials before engaging the full locking sequence. This preliminary action allows pre-authenticated users to access the firearm quickly through a simplified process, while maintaining full security verification for unauthorized access attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication process is made dynamic and adaptive based on the user's authorization level and historical access patterns. Authorized users experience streamlined authentication with fewer steps, while the system maintains robust multi-factor verification for security-critical operations, optimizing the balance between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1832200B1Device and safety unit for storing a firearm
Publication Date: 2009.01.21 ARMATIX
  • EP1832200B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1832200B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP1832200B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The device has a safety unit (6) for safekeeping a firearm to a base. The safety unit is partially inserted in a barrel and/or a cartridge mount of the firearm. The safety unit includes a safety section (12), which is brought into a safety condition in which the safety unit is secured in the firearm and in a release condition in which the safety unit is separable from the firearm. A control brings the safety section in its release condition with the authorization of the user to separate the firearm and the safety unit. An independent claim is also included for a safety unit for safekeeping a firearm to a base.