Two-Part Folding Trigger for Safe Compact Firearm Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding firearms require complex disassembly for ambidextrous operation and lack efficient folding mechanisms that ensure safety during the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A foldable firearm design featuring an ambidextrous charging handle assembly with rotatably coupled charging handles and a slide racking assembly, along with a foldable grip assembly that includes a pistol grip and trigger guard assembly, allowing for seamless folding and unfolding without disassembly, and incorporating a two-part folding trigger mechanism to prevent accidental discharge during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional folding firearm design is used, then the firearm can be folded for compact storage, but complex disassembly is required for ambidextrous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle assembly is divided into a first charging handle and a second charging handle, each positioned on opposite sides of the firearm. This segmentation allows independent operation for both right-handed and left-handed users without requiring disassembly, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger assembly is designed to function with either the first charging handle or the second charging handle, making it universal. The trigger can be actuated from either side of the firearm, providing multi-functionality that enables ambidextrous operation while maintaining a single, integrated structure that avoids complex disassembly procedures.
2Volume of moving object
If a folding mechanism is implemented, then compact storage is enabled, but safety risks arise during the folding process
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism incorporates a trigger guard that automatically engages to prevent trigger actuation before the folding process is complete. This preliminary safety action ensures that the trigger cannot be accidentally pulled during the transition from deployed to folded configuration, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and safety during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
A trigger guard assembly serves as an intermediary component between the trigger and the external environment during folding. The trigger guard physically blocks access to the trigger mechanism while the firearm is being folded, acting as a mediator that prevents accidental discharge without interfering with the folding motion itself, thus enabling both compact storage and safety.
3Ease of operation
If the trigger remains exposed during folding, then operational readiness is maintained, but accidental discharge may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger guard assembly is designed to dynamically adjust its position and coverage during the folding process. When the firearm is deployed, the trigger guard recedes to allow full trigger accessibility. When folding begins, the trigger guard automatically moves into position to block the trigger, dynamically balancing ease of operation with protection against accidental discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger guard assembly applies a preliminary protective action by positioning itself to block the trigger before any accidental contact can occur during folding. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of accidental discharge while maintaining trigger accessibility when the firearm is in its deployed, ready-to-fire configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a foldable firearm that collapses into a folded state under spring pressure. The foldable firearm may include a foldable grip assembly. The foldable grip assembly may include a foldable pistol grip, a foldable trigger assembly, a folding bar, and a foldable hand stop. The foldable grip assembly may fold into the housing of the foldable firearm. The foldable grip assembly may include a two-part folding trigger a part of which folds forward when the platform folds, to compress the vertical profile of the platform and also to present an inherent safety in the stowed configuration. The foldable firearm can also include a manual safety accessible from outside a housing of the platform that renders a trigger bar incapable of movement and release of the striking mechanism when the safety is engaged.