Firearm Trigger Mechanism for Open-Bolt Semi-Automatic Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-bolt machine guns lack a reliable semiautomatic firing mechanism and safe re-cocking functionality, leading to increased wear on the stop sear and potential safety risks due to complex mechanisms with multiple components, which can be jammed by debris and result in accidental firing.
Innovation Solution
A trigger device with a stop lever, release lever, rocker, and disconnector that allows semiautomatic firing while maintaining the release-lever function, enabling safety engagement and re-cocking through a rotary fire selector, using a disconnector sear and buffer to control the mechanical connection between the trigger blade and rocker, and incorporating a safety element that immobilizes the stop to prevent accidental firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to enable semiautomatic firing and safety engagement, then the functionality is improved, but the risk of jamming by debris and accidental firing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety function from the complex multi-component mechanism and implements it through a simple manual safety lever that directly blocks the trigger blade's path. This eliminates the need for complex interlocking mechanisms between the safety selector and firing components, reducing the number of parts that could jam while maintaining reliable safety engagement and disengagement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex positive engagement mechanism where the safety selector must precisely align with multiple components to prevent firing, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple blocking mechanism where the safety lever physically obstructs the trigger blade's movement path. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while reliably preventing accidental discharge.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a release lever mechanism is used to limit wear on the stop sear, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the release lever function with the existing trigger blade assembly by having the release lever act directly on the stop sear through the trigger blade's movement. This integration eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms while still achieving the goal of limiting stop sear wear through controlled engagement and disengagement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger blade's own rearward movement during firing automatically activates the release lever to disengage the stop sear, eliminating the need for a separate manual release mechanism. The system uses its own operational cycles to perform the wear-reducing function, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining durability benefits.
3Reliability
If the safety element is positioned to block the trigger blade path, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety lever as an intermediary element that blocks the trigger blade's path when engaged. This mediator provides reliable safety by physically preventing trigger blade movement, while the lever's design allows easy manual manipulation to engage and disengage, maintaining operational ease despite the added safety function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a firearm shooting with an open breech and comprising a detent mechanism with a hammer block (5) that can block the forward movement of movable parts (2), a trigger (10) that can lift the hammer block (5) when the movable parts (2) move backwards, an action bar (12) that actuates the hammer block (5) and the trigger (10) when shooting is triggered and stopped, and a finger piece (13) linked to the action bar (12) by a disconnector (11) that can shift from a position in which the finger piece (13) is mechanically coupled to the action bar (12) to a position in which the finger piece (13) is mechanically uncoupled from the action bar (12), the action bar (12) shifting from a shooting position to a rest position when the disconnector (11) shifts from its coupling position to its uncoupling position so as to prevent the following shot from being fired if the finger piece (13) is maintained in the shooting position.