Firearm Trigger Mechanism Using Rolling Element Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triggering devices for firearms have complex designs and high production costs due to intricate lever mechanisms, which result in high trigger weights and delayed firing processes.
Innovation Solution
A triggering device with a simplified transmission mechanism using a sequence of rolling elements, where the force from a tensioned firing spring is reduced through friction and offset arrangement, allowing for low trigger weights and rapid movement transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex lever mechanisms are used to transmit trigger movement, then the triggering device can be made robust, but the device complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into a series of individual rolling elements (balls or rollers) arranged in sequence within a channel. Each rolling element independently transmits force through rolling contact, replacing the monolithic complex lever mechanism with multiple simple, identical components that collectively achieve the same function with reduced complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Rolling elements serve as intermediary components between the trigger and the firing pin control body. These intermediaries transmit the triggering force through rolling contact, reducing friction and enabling smooth force transmission without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages
2Force
If strong firing spring is used to hit the firing pin hard, then the firing power is sufficient, but the trigger weight (resistance during triggering) increases
Solution Approach 1:
Spherical rolling elements (balls) are used to replace linear sliding contacts. The spherical shape enables rolling motion that dramatically reduces friction between contacting surfaces, allowing the high force of the firing spring to be transmitted to the firing pin with minimal resistance during the triggering process
Solution Approach 2:
The friction parameter is changed by transitioning from sliding contact to rolling contact. This parameter change reduces the resistance force during triggering while maintaining the high impact force capability, effectively decoupling trigger weight from firing power
3Reliability
If traditional lever transmission mechanism is used, then the triggering device can be made reliable, but the production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements are designed as homogeneous, identical components (all balls or all rollers of the same dimensions and material) that can be mass-produced using standard manufacturing processes. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing compared to custom-shaped lever components and enables economical production through standardization
4Ease of manufacture
If simple transmission mechanism is used to reduce production cost, then the manufacturing becomes more economical, but the triggering precision and reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission path is segmented into multiple discrete rolling elements positioned at specific intervals within the channel. This segmentation allows each element to be precisely positioned and manufactured to standard tolerances, ensuring accurate force transmission while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lever-based transmission system is replaced with a rolling contact system. This substitution maintains triggering precision through the controlled geometry of the channel and rolling element arrangement while dramatically simplifying manufacturing requirements and reducing production costs
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 achieves a significantly lower trigger weight, faster firing process, and cost-effective production while maintaining precision, with the ability to be integrated into various firearm closures and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
The force provided by the tensioned firing spring, which is usually in the range of 100 to 110 Newtons, i.e. 10 to 11 kg, can be reduced to a very low trigger weight, among other things due to the friction prevailing between the rolling elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a release trigger (2) activated by a hand and a control body (3) acting on a spring-loaded firing pin (1) or a spring-loaded firing-pin piece. A transmission mechanism acts between the trigger and the control body and includes a series of roller bodies (4) lying on one another and/or arranged offset relative to each other. The bodies are arranged in a transmission channel that is limited by channel walls (5) e.g. rockers, where each of the bodies contacts the walls. One of the walls includes a wall section (6) that is projected in direction toward channel interior.