Firearm Trigger Safety Locking Assembly with Motorized Eccentric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm safety mechanisms are inadequate in preventing accidental or unauthorized discharge, as they can be inadvertently activated or bypassed, leading to potential harm or property damage.

Innovation Solution

A locking assembly with a mechanical eccentric and motor system that electronically controls the trigger safety mechanism, blocking the safety from being disengaged unless the firearm is within a predetermined distance from a mobile device, ensuring the trigger cannot be pulled unless authorized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional mechanical safety mechanism is used, then the firearm can be discharged when the safety is pulled, but the safety can be inadvertently activated or bypassed leading to accidental discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of accidental dischargeVSAvoidaccessibility of trigger
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical safety mechanism with an electronically controlled system. A motorized actuator receives electronic signals to position a blocking element that prevents the safety lever from moving to the disengaged position, thereby substituting mechanical operation with electronic control to enhance reliability and prevent unauthorized activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the user and the mechanical safety mechanism. The electronic controller acts as a mediator that processes signals and controls the motorized actuator, which in turn controls the blocking element's position, adding a layer of control that prevents inadvertent activation while maintaining authorized access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the safety mechanism is immediately adjacent the trigger for easy access, then the trigger can be pulled quickly, but the safety can be inadvertently manipulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of dischargeVSAvoidprotection against inadvertent activation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the direct mechanical coupling between the safety lever and trigger mechanism with an electronically controlled blocking system. The motorized actuator and blocking element create an electronic gatekeeper that must be satisfied before mechanical operation is permitted, substituting immediate mechanical responsiveness with controlled electronic authorization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If no electronic control is added, then the mechanism remains simple, but the risk of accidental or unauthorized discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized dischargeVSAvoidelectronic control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control layer that sits between the external environment and the mechanical firearm components. This intermediary system includes signal receivers, controllers, and motorized actuators that mediate access to the safety mechanism, adding complexity but providing necessary authorization control to prevent unauthorized discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic control system is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving various types of signals, determining authorization status, controlling the blocking element position, and interfacing with different triggering mechanisms. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating control capabilities into a single integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Significantly reduces the risk of accidental or unauthorized firearm discharge by electronically controlling the trigger safety mechanism, allowing remote disabling if the firearm is separated from the mobile device, thus enhancing user safety and preventing unintended firing.

Implementation Method 1

A locking assembly with a mechanical eccentric and motor system that electronically controls the trigger safety mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11365947B2Locking assembly for firearm trigger safety mechanisms
Publication Date: 2022.06.21 MACHINE INC
  • US11365947B2 patent drawing
  • US11365947B2 patent drawing
  • US11365947B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for improving firearm safety is provided. The system comprises a firearm with a trigger mechanism for firing and a trigger safety member proximate the trigger to prevent accidental firing. The system also comprises a locking assembly associated with the trigger mechanism and safety member comprising a transceiver that receives a message from a remote wireless device. The locking assembly further comprises a motor that activates based on processing of the message received by the transceiver. The locking assembly further comprises an eccentric that executes a first turning motion based on action of the motor.