Firearm Trigger Disconnector with Rotation Stops

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearm triggers, particularly in AR pistol caliber carbines, often fail due to over-compression of the disconnector spring under high firing rates, leading to premature wear and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A fire control mechanism with a trigger and disconnector that pivot about an axis, featuring a disconnector spring positioned between first and second spring seats, with a configuration that maintains a distance greater than the minimum operating size of the spring, and rotation stops to limit disconnector rotation, distributing forces to prevent over-compression and extend service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the disconnector spring is compressed to provide sufficient bias force for high firing rates, then the trigger can operate reliably under high stress, but the spring bottoms out and fails due to over compression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger reliability under high firing ratesVSAvoiddisconnector spring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The disconnector is segmented into multiple components: the disconnector body, first stop, second stop, and rotation stop. These segments work together to distribute and control forces, preventing any single component (particularly the spring) from experiencing excessive stress that would lead to bottoming out and failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the disconnector system by positioning the first stop and second stop at specific distances from the pivot axis. The second stop is positioned farther from the axis than the first stop, creating different moment arms that modify the force distribution and prevent over-compression of the spring while maintaining adequate bias force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the disconnector is allowed to rotate freely to provide full trigger travel, then the trigger can be actuated completely, but the disconnector spring undergoes excessive compression and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger actuationVSAvoiddisconnector spring service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation stop is positioned to preliminarily limit the rotation of the disconnector before excessive compression of the spring can occur. This preliminary geometric constraint ensures that the disconnector cannot rotate far enough to cause spring failure, while still allowing sufficient travel for complete trigger actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the rotational parameter of the disconnector by introducing the rotation stop at a specific angular position. This changes the range of motion parameters, allowing adequate trigger travel while preventing the disconnector from rotating into a position that would cause spring over-compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the disconnector spring is positioned close to the pivot axis to reduce moment arm and force, then spring compression is reduced, but insufficient bias force is provided for reliable operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnector spring capacityVSAvoidtrigger operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the stops relative to the pivot axis. The first stop and second stop are positioned at different distances from the axis, creating an asymmetric force distribution that allows the spring to provide adequate bias force without experiencing symmetric over-compression in both directions of rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the positional parameters of the spring and stops. The spring is positioned at a specific distance from the pivot axis that provides adequate moment arm for reliable operation, while the stops are positioned to prevent the spring from experiencing compression beyond its safe operating limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the durability and service life of firearm triggers by reducing the likelihood of disconnector spring failure, ensuring reliable operation even under high firing rates and harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A disconnector spring is arranged to bias the disconnector to the first orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The disconnector comprises a rotation stop arranged to limit rotation of the disconnector in a second rotational direction about the axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20210102772A1Trigger with disconnector travel stop

Publication Date: 2021.04.08 IN OVATION LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, a fire control mechanism comprises a trigger arranged to pivot about an axis and a disconnector arranged to pivot about the axis with respect to the trigger. The disconnector comprises a first stop and a second stop. A distance between the axis and the second stop is greater than a distance between the axis and the first stop. The disconnector comprises a first orientation and a second orientation, and a disconnector spring is arranged to bias the disconnector to the first orientation. The first stop contacts a first interfering surface in the first orientation and the second stop contacts a second interfering surface in the second orientation.