Interchangeable Firearm Safety Selector Levers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms safety selectors are inconvenient for left-handed users and uncomfortable for right-handed users due to their standard size and placement, often causing pain and interference with the firing mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The development of ambidextrous, interchangeable safety selector levers in various lengths and thicknesses that can be securely attached to firearms, allowing users to choose a comfortable and convenient option that is easy to identify and use, with a recessed design to prevent screw stripping and improve attachment stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the standard safety selector lever size (1 inch length, 1/4 inch width) is used, then the lever is easy to locate and move, but it catches the web of skin between the user's thumb and forefinger causing pain and interference with actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by offering safety selector levers in multiple length variants (approximately 1/2 inch and approximately 1 inch) to resolve the contradiction. The shorter lever reduces skin catching while the longer lever maintains ease of location and movement, allowing users to select the appropriate parameter value for their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the safety selector lever interchangeable and ambidextrous, allowing users to dynamically switch between different lever configurations (left side, right side, different lengths) based on their operational context and hand dominance, rather than being fixed to a single configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the standard safety selector lever size is used, then it is easy to locate and move, but it is bulky and uncomfortable for right-handed users as it underlies the trigger finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by offering levers in different length parameters. The approximately 1/2 inch lever reduces bulkiness and discomfort to the trigger finger, while the approximately 1 inch lever maintains ease of location and movement for users who prioritize those characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable lever system allows users to dynamically adjust the lever configuration based on their comfort needs and operational requirements, switching between ambidextrous positions and length variants to optimize the balance between ease of operation and comfort.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the safety selector lever is shortened to approximately 1/2 inch, then the likelihood of catching the user's skin is reduced, but the bulkiness of the safety selector lever is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by providing levers in multiple length variants, allowing users to select the appropriate lever length to balance skin catching prevention with acceptable bulkiness, rather than imposing a single shortened dimension on all users.
4Ease of operation
If the safety selector is fixed on the right side of the firearm, then it is convenient for right-handed users, but it is extremely inconvenient for left-handed people to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making the safety selector lever ambidextrous and interchangeable, allowing the same firearm to be effectively operated by both right-handed and left-handed users through lever reconfiguration, rather than being optimized for a single user type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamics by allowing users to change the lever position and configuration based on their hand dominance and operational context, transforming a static, right-handed-optimized design into a dynamic, adaptable system that serves multiple user types.
Data Source
AI summary
An interchangeable safety selector, including at least some of a generally cylindrical lock member rotatable between at least a safe and at least one fire position; at least one recess formed in each end of the lock member; and at least two lever members, each lever member having at least one projection mateable with the at least one recess of the lock member, wherein the lever members are interchangeable, and wherein at least one of the lever members is securable to a first end of the lock member via interaction of the at least one projection and the at least one recess.