Semi-Automatic Handgun Trigger With Segmented Pressure Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing trigger devices for semi-automatic handguns do not allow for precise interruption of rapid fire sequences, as they are designed for continuous or fully automatic firing without the option for the shooter to interrupt the sequence of shots.

Innovation Solution

A trigger device with a pawl mounted to pivot about a second axis, allowing each shot to have a distinct pressure point, enabling the shooter to interrupt the firing sequence between pressure points, and featuring a two-armed lever design for flexible pull-off forces and release points, with a control element having toothed segments for precise locking positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a shot-limiting device is designed for continuous or fully automatic firing, then the firing speed and productivity are improved, but the ability to interrupt the sequence of shots is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiring speedVSAvoidability to interrupt sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger device is segmented into multiple independent pressure points (first pressure point, second pressure point, etc.) along the travel path of the control element. Each pressure point corresponds to a specific catch position and can independently initiate or interrupt a firing sequence. This segmentation allows the shooter to control the firing sequence shot-by-shot while maintaining rapid fire capability, resolving the contradiction between continuous firing speed and the ability to interrupt sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single pressure point is used for triggering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of shot metering and interruption capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger mechanism simplicityVSAvoidshot metering precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single pressure point, the invention introduces multiple pressure points arranged along the linear travel path of the control element. This transforms the triggering mechanism from a single-point activation to a multi-point distributed system, enabling precise shot metering and interruption capability without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The multiple pressure points provide discrete control stages for precise shot delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a fully automated multi-trigger system is used, then the productivity and firing speed are improved, but the ability to intentionally interrupt the sequence is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid fire capabilityVSAvoidinterruption control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger device employs a dynamic control mechanism where the control element can be actuated at different stages of its travel path. The system transitions from a static single-pressure-point design to a dynamic multi-pressure-point system that adapts to the shooter's intent. At any pressure point along the travel path, the shooter can initiate or interrupt the firing sequence, providing both rapid fire capability and flexible interruption control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2995901B1Trigger device for a semi-automatic handgun
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 HITTMANN KARL
  • EP2995901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2995901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2995901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a trigger mechanism (10) for a semi-automatic handgun, comprising a detent (2) pivotably mounted about a first axis (B) and acting on a trigger element (1) via a detent surface, and a firing limiting device (20) which has a control element (21) with detent or control surfaces (AS1, AS2, AS3) defining at least two detent positions (a, b, c) for a locking pawl (3) pivotable about a second axis (B1). To enable limited and precisely metered firing during rapid fire, the control element (21) is formed by at least one trigger piece (4) arranged in the path of action between a trigger blade (5) and the trigger element (1), which acts on the trigger element (1) via the locking pawl (3) pivotably mounted on the detent (2) about the second axis (B1) and the detent (2).