Locking Magazine Rotor Mechanism for Accidental Discharge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm magazines do not adequately prevent accidental or unauthorized discharges, often reducing ammunition capacity, being difficult to manipulate, or adding significant weight to the firearm.
Innovation Solution
A magazine with a locking mechanism that has a user-selectable locked and unlocked condition, featuring a rotor and block element to prevent firearm operation and magazine extraction when locked, and allowing operation when unlocked, with optional biometric user identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing magazine based safety means are implemented, then accidental discharge prevention is improved, but ammunition capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The safety mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: a locking mechanism with rotor and block element that operates independently from the ammunition storage function. This allows the magazine to maintain full ammunition capacity while the locking mechanism provides safety functionality without reducing the number of rounds that can be stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the magazine and the firearm. When engaged, it prevents both magazine extraction and trigger operation, providing a mediating safety function that doesn't require reducing ammunition capacity. The locking mechanism intermediates the safety function from the magazine structure itself.
2Reliability
If existing magazine based safety means are implemented, then accidental discharge prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism merges multiple safety functions into a single integrated mechanism. The rotor and block element work together to simultaneously prevent magazine extraction and trigger operation when engaged. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity compared to separate safety mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides universal safety coverage by simultaneously preventing both magazine removal and trigger discharge when engaged. This multi-functionality in a single mechanism reduces the need for separate safety devices, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
3Reliability
If existing magazine based safety means are implemented, then accidental discharge prevention is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, lightweight module that can be integrated into the magazine without significantly increasing weight. By taking out the safety function as a distinct mechanism rather than integrating it into the entire magazine structure, the weight penalty is minimized while still providing effective safety protection.
4Reliability
If existing magazine based safety means are implemented, then accidental discharge prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a rotor that can be rotated to engage and disengage the block element, providing dynamic control over the locking state. This rotational interface offers a simple, intuitive operation that is easier to manipulate than traditional safety switches or levers, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable safety protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine is provided for a firearm. The magazine comprises a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a user interface adapted to enable a user to select between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The locking mechanism has a rotor movable between a first rotational position when the locking mechanism is in the locked condition and a second rotational position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked condition. The magazine comprises an elongated shaft connected to the rotor. The magazine comprises a block element connected to the elongated shaft. The block element is adapted to move between a first position when the locking mechanism is in the locked condition in which at least one of firearm operation and magazine extraction are prevented, and a second position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked condition in which firearm operation and magazine extraction are enabled.