Flexure Hinge Firearm Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinges with pins in firearms require significant space, lubrication, and may not allow for tensile movement, making them less efficient and more prone to wear and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexure hinges in firearm triggers provides a more compact, tamper-resistant, and low-friction mechanism that allows for precise motion and reduced wear, by using elastic deformation of flexible connectors between stiff members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional hinges with pins are used in firearm triggers, then the hinge mechanism can provide rotational movement, but the hinge requires substantial space and may allow little to no tensile movement
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional pin-and-hinge structure is segmented into multiple flexible links connected by flexure hinges, allowing the mechanism to achieve both rotational and tensile movements through coordinated deformation of individual link segments
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from rigid pin connections to flexible links with variable stiffness, allowing the structure to adapt between rotational and tensile movement modes by changing the deformation characteristics of the flexure hinges
2Reliability
If traditional hinges with pins are used in firearm triggers, then the hinge can provide mechanical movement, but the hinge requires lubrication and is prone to wear and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical pin-and-bore hinge system is replaced with a flexure hinge system that uses elastic deformation of flexible links instead of sliding or rotating contact, eliminating the need for lubrication and significantly reducing wear
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure hinge mechanism is designed to be maintenance-free, with the flexible links and hinges requiring no lubrication, adjustment, or replacement under normal operating conditions, making the system self-sufficient
3Device complexity
If traditional hinges with pins are used in firearm triggers, then the hinge mechanism can be simple in design, but the hinge requires additional components such as springs for returning the trigger to position
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger body, flexible links, and return spring are merged into a single monolithic structure formed from one piece of material, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining all necessary mechanical functions including the return mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic trigger assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: the flexure hinges provide rotational movement, the flexible links provide tensile movement, and the integrated spring structure provides the return force, all within a single component
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
Flexure hinge-based trigger systems offer improved space efficiency, reduced maintenance needs, enhanced tamper resistance, and increased precision, while minimizing wear and corrosion compared to traditional pin and hinge systems.
Implementation Method 1
Flexure hinges provide relative motion between two stiff members by the elastic deformation of an arbitrarily shaped flexible connector
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism using flexure hinges as part of the trigger and/or safety mechanism of a firearm. Flexure hinges provide relative motion between two stiff members by the elastic deformation of an arbitrarily shaped flexible connector often implemented in metallic and composite materials. The flexure hinges are formed by flexure links connecting two stiff members. The flexure links connect various parts of the trigger assembly, such as a trigger component, including a shoe, plate, or safety, to a housing of the firearm. A method of creating the mechanism provides a trigger component, a housing, and connects the two parts by a flexure link with a flexure hinge.