Firearm Safety Lock with Segmented Trigger Guard for Dry Fire Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firearm safety locks, such as trigger locks and cable locks, restrict access to essential features during training exercises, causing unnecessary wear and limiting the ability to practice 'dry firing' without risking internal damage.

Innovation Solution

A safety lock comprising a casing, a flexible member, and a releasable locking member that allows 'dry firing' while preventing live ammunition loading, enabling full functionality for training exercises without obstructing the slide, magazine insertion, or sight usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trigger locks or cable locks are used to prevent unauthorized discharge, then firearm safety is improved, but access to essential features for training is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirearm safetyVSAvoidaccess to training features

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety lock is divided into separate functional components: a trigger-blocking mechanism for safety, and unobstructed access paths for the magazine compartment, ejection port, and sights. This segmentation allows the trigger guard to be secured while leaving other training-critical features fully accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism applies restraint locally at the trigger guard area only, while deliberately leaving other regions (magazine insertion area, ejection port, sight lines) completely open and accessible. This localized approach to safety enables training on non-trigger features without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If cable locks are used to secure the firearm, then discharge is prevented, but magazine insertion and slide operation cannot be practiced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge preventionVSAvoidtraining exercise capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The design separates the trigger security function from other operational features. The trigger guard locking mechanism operates independently and does not interfere with magazine compartment access, ejection port access, or sight lines, enabling diverse training exercises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The safety lock system maintains multi-functionality by allowing simultaneous execution of multiple training tasks: dry firing (with empty chamber verification), magazine insertion/removal practice, slide operation, and sight alignment training, all while the trigger remains secured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If dry firing is practiced to improve skill, then training effectiveness is enhanced, but internal damage to firing pin and hammer may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidinternal damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system prevents harmful dry firing by requiring verification of an empty chamber through accessible sight lines and ejection port visibility before allowing trigger operation. The locked trigger mechanism also physically prevents firing even if ammunition were present, counteracting the harmful effect in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The safety lock acts as an intermediary control mechanism that mediates between training desires and safety concerns. It allows controlled trigger practice through the locked mechanism while the hollow casing and verification procedures prevent actual discharge and associated damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If firearm storage is maintained with slide open for cable lock security, then discharge is prevented, but unnecessary wear on springs and tension mechanisms occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables dynamic positioning of the slide - it can be locked in the open position when security is the priority, or closed when training is needed and the chamber is verified empty. This dynamic flexibility allows optimization between security and component wear prevention based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11022392B2Child firearm safety lock allowing adult proficiency training

Publication Date: 2021.06.01 GW SOLUTIONS OF DULUTH LLC

AI summary

A safety lock for a firearm comprises a casing, a releasable locking member at a second end, and a flexible member between the first end and the second end. When the lock is installed on the firearm, the lock extends along the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle end. When in the locked position, the casing is positioned in the chamber and the flexible member extends along the barrel, an ammunition round from being loaded. The safety lock allows a user to dry fire the firearm.