Projectile Launcher Trigger Assist Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile launchers using compressed gas for non-lethal projectiles lack flexibility and convenience in gas supply and require manual trigger movement during full automatic firing, increasing complexity and user effort.
Innovation Solution
A projectile launcher with a valve assembly for selective gas flow, a trigger assist feature for automatic firing without reciprocating the trigger, and a selector switch for mode selection between safe, semi-automatic, and full-automatic modes, along with a magazine system that simplifies gas cartridge insertion and provides multiple gas supply options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual trigger reciprocation is required for full automatic firing, then the device can fire multiple projectiles, but the user's trigger finger must move back-and-forth increasing user effort and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assist mechanism automatically cycles the firing assembly through its motion to repeatedly actuate the valve assembly without requiring manual trigger reciprocation. The spring-loaded trigger assist returns the trigger to its original position after each pull, enabling continuous firing while the user maintains only a static trigger pull.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for gas supply (puncture mechanism and valve assembly as separate components), then the gas supply function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The puncture mechanism and valve assembly are integrated into a single unified component housed within the magazine. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable gas supply function through the integrated design.
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 convenient and flexible gas supply, allows continuous full-automatic firing without trigger movement, and reduces complexity by integrating the puncture mechanism and valve assembly within the receiver, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a trigger assist coupled with the trigger using a spring
Implementation Method 2
a piston in fluid communication with the valve assembly that moves upon venting of the valve assembly to apply a force to the trigger assist
Implementation Method 3
A valve assembly is provided that allows selective flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile launcher including a receiver with a breech proximate to a barrel. A valve assembly is provided that allows selective flow between a source of compressed gas and the breech. A trigger is provided that is movable between a first position and a second position. The launcher includes a firing assembly configured to actuate the valve assembly responsive to the trigger being in the second position. In some embodiments, the firing assembly includes a trigger assist feature configured to cycle the firing assembly in a fully automatic manner when the trigger is in the second position without reciprocating the trigger during the firing cycle. In some embodiments, the receiver includes an opening with a puncture mechanism dimensioned to receive a magazine.