Firearm Trigger Assembly with Decoupled Lever for Fast Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AR-15 rifle triggers, whether single-stage or two-stage, face challenges such as high pull weight, long reset time for follow-on shots, and compromises between clear feedback and fast reset, particularly due to the requirement of a disconnector spring which affects pull weight and reset speed.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage firearm trigger assembly with a frame, pivotally connected hammer, trigger element, and trigger lever, where the trigger lever moves between unactuated and actuated positions with distinct force thresholds, allowing separate first and second stage movements to maintain reset speed while providing shooter feedback without increasing reset time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a conventional two-stage trigger uses the disconnector spring for the second stage, then a clear, distinct wall is achieved, but the reset time increases and pull weight is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into two independent stages: a first stage using the trigger element for initial movement, and a second stage using a separate disconnector for the wall effect. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the trigger element provides fast reset while the disconnector provides clear feedback without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnector acts as an intermediary component between the trigger element and the hammer. It receives force from the trigger element and transmits it to the hammer, providing the distinct wall feedback while allowing the trigger element to maintain its fast reset capability through independent movement.
2Loss of time
If a single-stage trigger is used, then reset speed is improved, but shooter feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into two independent stages: a first stage using the trigger element for initial movement, and a second stage using a separate disconnector for the wall effect. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the trigger element provides fast reset while the disconnector provides clear feedback without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall effect function is extracted from the trigger element and assigned to a separate disconnector component. This allows the trigger element to be optimized for fast reset and responsiveness, while the disconnector independently provides the distinct wall feedback to the shooter without interfering with the reset speed.
3Loss of information
If trigger travel is increased to provide two-stage feedback, then shooter feedback is improved, but reset time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into two independent stages: a first stage using the trigger element for initial movement, and a second stage using a separate disconnector for the wall effect. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the trigger element provides fast reset while the disconnector provides clear feedback without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic force thresholds where the trigger element can move freely within a first force threshold range, then encounters resistance from the disconnector at a second, higher force threshold. This dynamic behavior provides distinct feedback stages while maintaining fast reset, as the trigger element doesn't need to travel far beyond the first stage to achieve the wall effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm trigger assembly has a frame, a hammer pivotally connected to the frame, a trigger element pivotally connected to the frame and operable to selectively restrain and release the hammer in response to movement of the trigger element between a restraint position and a release position, a trigger lever movably connected to the trigger element and movable with respect to the trigger element between a first unactuated position and a second actuated position, and the trigger element being configured to remain in the restraint position when the trigger lever is in the first unactuated position, in any of a range of positions intermediate the first unactuated position and the second actuated position, and when in the second actuated position with an application of force to the trigger lever below a selected force threshold.