Firearm Safing Sector Linear Motion Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm safing assemblies for rotatable firearms like the M-134 are difficult to operate with one hand, especially with gloves, and do not clearly indicate the safe or armed condition, making them prone to accidental activation or damage.
Innovation Solution
A firearm safing assembly with a safing sector that moves between a safe and armed position via substantially linear motion within a receiver door track, featuring a lever and safing cam to convert rotational motion to linear motion, and a latch handle for easy operation, ensuring alignment with the bolt track in the armed position and out of alignment in the safe position, with a design that allows clear indication of the firearm's status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional safing sector assembly is used in rotatable firearms, then the firearm can prevent unintentional firing, but the safing assembly is difficult to operate with one hand and does not clearly indicate the safe or armed condition
Solution Approach 1:
The safing assembly is divided into separate functional components: a safing sector with tabs for one-handed manipulation, a visual indicator mechanism with distinct positions for safe/armed states, and a latch system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall operability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The safing assembly incorporates visual indicators that provide clear distinction between safe and armed conditions. The indicator mechanism uses visible positional differences (and potentially color coding in embodiments) to communicate the firearm's status to the operator, eliminating ambiguity about the current state
2Ease of operation
If the safing sector assembly is externally attached to the receiver, then it can be accessed for operation, but it is susceptible to damage and may catch on clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The safing sector assembly is nested within or integrated into the receiver structure rather than being externally mounted. The safing sector is received within a dedicated space in the receiver, and the visual indicator is integrated into the receiver door or housing. This nesting protects the safing components from external damage and prevents them from catching on clothing while maintaining accessibility for operation
Solution Approach 2:
The safing assembly components are merged with the receiver structure. The safing sector is integrated into the receiver's internal geometry, and the visual indicator is combined with the receiver door assembly. This merging eliminates protruding elements that could catch on clothing while maintaining functional accessibility
3Loss of information
If the safing sector assembly is rotated about an axis outward from the receiver, then it can indicate safe position, but it is difficult to observe the status from the opposite side
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator mechanism is designed to provide status indication in multiple dimensions or viewing angles. Rather than relying on a single rotational position visible from one side, the indicator system (through positional indicators, window displays, or multi-faceted design) makes the safe/armed status observable from multiple directions including the opposite side of the receiver
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 enables easy one-handed operation and clear visual indication of the firearm's status, preventing accidental discharge and reducing the risk of damage, while maintaining compatibility with existing rotatable firearm designs.
Implementation Method 1
a safing cam that is coupled to the safing sector and the lever; the safing cam is configured to convert rotational motion of the lever to substantially linear motion of the safing sector
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm safing assemblies and firearms including the same are disclosed. In embodiments firearm safing assemblies include a safing sector with a track surface and a receiver door track. The receiver door track may couple to a receiver of a rotatable firearm, wherein the receiver includes a bolt track and at least a portion of the receiver extends coaxially about a first axis. The safing sector is configured to be at least partially disposed within the receiver door track and to move between a safe position and an armed position. In the safe position the track surface is out of alignment with and does not form part of the bolt track, whereas in the armed position it is aligned with and forms part of the bolt track.