Firearm Trigger Travel Limiter for Precise Discharge Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearms struggle to discharge bullets at the optimal moment, especially under stress or when targets are moving, due to the non-linear and user-controlled trigger mechanism, which complicates precise aiming and hitting designated targets.

Innovation Solution

A firearm trigger control device with a trigger travel limiter and actuation means, controlled by a microcontroller or external smart aiming system, restricts and releases the trigger displacement at a predetermined extent to ensure precise bullet discharge timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a user manually controls the trigger displacement in a natural squeezing manner, then the ease of operation is improved, but the shooting precision deteriorates because the bullet discharge timing cannot be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of trigger operationVSAvoidbullet discharge timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A trigger travel limiter actuator serves as an intermediary between the user's trigger pressure and the sear release mechanism. This actuator controls the trigger's rearward movement, preventing direct connection between user input and discharge timing, thereby enabling precise timing control while maintaining ease of operation through natural trigger squeezing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical trigger control system with an electromechanical system. The trigger travel limiter actuator, controlled by a microcontroller, substitutes for direct mechanical connection between the trigger and sear, allowing electronic control of discharge timing while preserving the mechanical ease of trigger operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the trigger displacement is fully allowed without restriction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the shooting precision deteriorates due to inability to control discharge timing at optimal moment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger displacement freedomVSAvoiddischarge timing control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger travel limiter actuator dynamically adjusts the trigger's rearward displacement based on real-time conditions. The microcontroller monitors target position, firearm stability, and other parameters, then dynamically controls the actuator to release the trigger at the optimal moment, achieving both operational freedom and precise timing control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of trigger displacement from a fixed mechanical range to a dynamically controlled range. The actuator can restrict, allow, or reverse trigger movement based on real-time parameter changes in target position, firearm stability, and optimal discharge timing calculations, enabling precise control while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If a trigger control device is added to control bullet discharge timing, then the shooting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebullet discharge timing precisionVSAvoidtrigger control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger travel limiter actuator serves multiple functions: it restricts trigger displacement, controls release timing, and can potentially reverse trigger movement. The microcontroller integrates multiple functions including parameter monitoring, optimal timing calculation, and actuator control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while achieving precise discharge timing control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-service features where the microcontroller automatically monitors target position, firearm stability, and other parameters without external intervention. The actuator self-regulates trigger displacement based on real-time feedback, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms and simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise timing control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the trigger is released completely without restriction, then the ease of operation is improved, but the shooting precision deteriorates when the user is fatigued or under stress causing unstable barrel position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger operation simplicityVSAvoidshooting accuracy under stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control where sensors monitor target position, firearm stability, and trigger displacement in real-time. This feedback is fed to the microcontroller, which adjusts the actuator's control of trigger release based on current conditions. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable shooting accuracy under stress by compensating for barrel instability while maintaining simple trigger operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal discharge timing based on current target position and firearm stability. Before the trigger is fully released, the microcontroller has already determined the optimal moment and prepared the actuator for precise release. This preliminary preparation ensures accurate shooting under stress without complicating the actual trigger operation for the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables controlled and precise bullet discharge at the optimal timing, improving shooting accuracy even under challenging conditions, and can be retrofitted to existing firearms with minimal modifications.

Implementation Method 1

the actuation means comprises an actuator selected from the group consisting of: an electromagnetic actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, solenoid actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12435937B2Firearm trigger control device

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 SMART SHOOTER

AI summary

A firearm trigger control device, which is adapted to control the displacement of a firearm's trigger, such as to enable the discharge of a projectile upon receiving a firing signal (e.g., at a timing determined as optimal for hitting a designated target).