Firearm Electronic Trigger Lock Self-Powered System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for restricting firearm use, such as smart guns and GPS-based systems, are ineffective in preventing unauthorized use and do not address battery life or operational reliability, especially in locked-down areas or when GPS signals are unavailable.

Innovation Solution

An electronic trigger lock system with an integral power source that automatically generates power during firearm operation, combined with GPS and RF technology to establish restricted zones, ensuring firearms remain operational outside these zones and are rendered inoperable within them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If GPS-based systems are used to restrict firearm use, then geographic restriction capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when GPS signals are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeographic restriction capabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an RF transmitter as an intermediary device that creates a radio frequency field to define restricted zones. This RF field acts as a mediator between the control system and the firearm's electronic trigger lock, providing location-based restriction capability without relying solely on GPS signals. The RF transmitter can be positioned at specific locations to create controlled exclusion zones, ensuring reliable operation even when GPS signals are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic trigger lock systems are added to firearms, then unauthorized use prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized use preventionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic trigger lock system directly with the firearm's existing trigger mechanism. The electronic lock is integrated into the trigger assembly, combining the locking function with the existing mechanical trigger structure. This integration minimizes additional components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective prevention of unauthorized use through electronic control of the trigger mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If battery-powered electronic systems are used in firearms, then functionality is improved, but loss of energy increases due to battery consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic functionalityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-powered electronic trigger lock system that generates electrical energy through the mechanical operation of the firearm itself. The system uses the kinetic energy from the trigger mechanism and slide movement to generate electricity through electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric elements. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate batteries, as the firearm's own operation provides the power needed to operate the electronic locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If GPS and RF technologies are combined for zone restriction, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone restriction reliabilityVSAvoidtechnology integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the zone restriction function into two independent components: a GPS-based geographic positioning system and an RF-based radio frequency field system. Each component can operate independently or work together to define restricted zones. The GPS system provides broad geographic context, while the RF system creates localized exclusion zones. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through redundancy without requiring complex integration of both technologies into a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively prevents unauthorized firearm use by automatically recharging and maintaining operational status outside restricted zones while ensuring firearms are inoperable within designated areas, even when GPS signals are unavailable, enhancing safety and usability for authorized users.

Implementation Method 1

a motor configured to transform electrical energy to mechanical energy to cycle the slide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the action of the slide operates a motor included in the electronic trigger lock system to generate electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11913739B2System, apparatus and method for power generation integral to a firearm
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 TRUSS TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US11913739B2 patent drawing
  • US11913739B2 patent drawing
  • US11913739B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic system included in a firearm, the firearm including an operating mechanism that is displaced to position a cartridge into a position for firing, and a body portion coupled to the operating mechanism. The electronic system includes a power generation element located in the body portion of the firearm. The power generation element is mechanically engaged with the operating mechanism such that a displacement of the operating mechanism causes the power generation element to move in a manner that generates electrical energy. At least a portion of the electrical energy generated by the power generation element is employed to power the electronic system.