Firearm Grip Lever Switch for Thumb-Based Accessory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote activation switches for firearms are often uncomfortable to operate and can lead to accidental discharge due to the need to maintain pressure with the middle finger, making it difficult to control firearm accessories like lasers and optics effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lever switch system integrated into the firearm grip that utilizes a natural thumb motion to activate or control remote accessories, allowing for ergonomic and durable operation, suitable for both left- and right-handed shooters, with components like a thumb pad, lever arm, pivot pin, and electrical switch assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure pad switch or momentary push switch is mounted near the trigger guard for remote activation, then the shooter can control firearm accessories, but it becomes uncomfortable to operate and increases the risk of accidental discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The switch activation mechanism is extracted from the trigger guard area and relocated to the grip surface. The thumb pad switch is mounted on the external surface of the grip, separating the control function from the trigger mechanism area, thereby eliminating the risk of accidental discharge while maintaining ease of operation through natural thumb contact.
Solution Approach 2:
A lever arm acts as an intermediary between the thumb pad switch and the internal momentary push switch. The lever arm translates the shooter's thumb pressure on the external pad into actuation of the internal switch, providing mechanical mediation that ensures reliable signal transmission while maintaining a safe distance from the trigger guard.
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 comfortable and secure operation of remote accessories without compromising firearm control, reducing the risk of accidental discharge by allowing intuitive thumb-based activation, suitable for various firearm configurations and accessories.
Implementation Method 1
a lever arm pivotable around a pivot pin disposed within the grip
Data Source
AI summary
A grip for a firearm having a controllable accessory has a first axis aligned with a long axis of the firearm and a second axis transverse the first axis. The grip includes an elongated switch lever having a pivot end and a controlled end, the elongated switch lever having a long axis aligned with the second axis of the grip and coupled at the controlled end to a thumb pad extending beyond a main body of the grip, a pivot disposed at the pivot end of the elongated switch lever about which the elongated switch lever may rotate, and a switch mounted in the grip adjacent to the elongated switch lever and configured to change states when the thumb pad is depressed.