Magazine Disconnect Lever to Block Trigger Bar Firing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiautomatic handguns may unintentionally discharge if a round is left in the chamber after the magazine is removed, as users may fail to follow best practices for clearing the chamber before disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A magazine disconnect mechanism that includes a blocking component, such as a lever, which moves between a blocking and non-blocking position based on the presence of a magazine, preventing the gun from firing when the magazine is removed by obstructing the trigger bar or other components from moving to release the striker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a magazine is removed from the handgun, then the user can perform maintenance or storage, but the gun may unintentionally discharge if a round remains in the chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine disconnect mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by automatically blocking the trigger bar when the magazine is removed. The disconnect block is positioned to engage with the trigger bar and prevent its movement, proactively counteracting the potential harmful action of unintentional discharge before it can occur. This eliminates the need for users to manually clear the chamber while performing maintenance or storage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking component is added to prevent firing without a magazine, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine disconnect mechanism merges the safety function with the existing magazine well structure. The disconnect block is integrated into the trigger bar assembly, and the magazine's presence or absence naturally actuates the blocking mechanism. This combining of functions minimizes additional components while achieving the safety objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine itself serves as the actuating mechanism for the safety feature. When the magazine is inserted, its weight and position automatically move the disconnect block to disengage from the trigger bar, enabling firing. When removed, the spring automatically returns the block to the blocking position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms or user intervention.
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
Prevents accidental firing by ensuring the handgun remains inoperable without the magazine, enhancing safety during disassembly and storage.
Implementation Method 1
When a magazine is not present in the magazine well, a spring biases the blocking component to the blocking position to prevent firing the gun by trigger pull
Data Source
AI summary
A magazine disconnect is operable to prevent firing the gun by trigger pull when a magazine is not present in the magazine well. The magazine disconnect includes a blocking component that is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. In one example, the blocking component is a lever located rearward of the magazine well and arranged so that installing a magazine into the magazine well causes the lever to rotate the non-blocking position. In absence of the magazine, the lever is biased to the blocking position where it blocks firing the handgun by trigger pull. The blocking component can engage trigger bar, sear, or other component of the fire control assembly.