Magnetic Trigger Assembly Reducing Perceived Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trigger assemblies in shooting weapons often result in perceived trigger travel, leading to user anticipation and target panic, which can cause poor shooting technique and lower accuracy due to the movement of the trigger before reaching the threshold force to release the sear.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly incorporating stationary magnets and a trigger member with a magnetic trigger portion that remains in contact until the applied force exceeds a threshold value, providing a crisp breaking point and minimizing perceived trigger travel by positioning the magnets at least ½ inch from the trigger pivot point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional trigger assemblies are used, then the trigger can be actuated, but perceived trigger travel occurs causing user anticipation and target panic which reduces shooting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spring-based trigger return mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned to engage the trigger member, holding it in the first position without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the gradual mechanical movement that causes perceived trigger travel, providing a crisp breaking point that improves shooting accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the trigger retention mechanism from mechanical elastic force (springs) to magnetic field force. By adjusting magnetic field strength and positioning, the system achieves a threshold-based release mechanism where the trigger remains stationary until a specific force threshold is reached, eliminating perceived travel and improving shot consistency.
2Volume of moving object
If magnets are positioned close to the trigger pivot point, then the trigger assembly is compact, but the magnetic force may cause premature trigger movement reducing firing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic material selectively to specific portions of the trigger member rather than the entire trigger assembly. The magnetic trigger portion is localized at the end of the trigger member where it interacts with the magnets, while other portions remain non-magnetic. This localized application allows compact positioning of magnets without causing premature movement, maintaining both compact size and firing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions the magnets and magnetic trigger portion to establish a predetermined magnetic engagement distance. This preliminary configuration ensures that the magnetic force is optimized to hold the trigger reliably in the first position without causing premature movement, allowing compact assembly design while maintaining firing reliability.
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
The solution reduces trigger travel, ensuring the trigger member does not move until sufficient force is applied to fire the weapon, providing a consistent and accurate firing mechanism by eliminating perceived trigger movement until the firing threshold is met.
Implementation Method 1
one or more stationary magnets and a trigger member pivotable relative to the stationary magnets. The trigger member includes... a magnetic trigger portion extending from the base portion in a second direction. The magnetic trigger portion operatively engages the one or more stationary magnets in a first position.
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger assembly includes one or more stationary magnets and a trigger member pivotable relative to the stationary magnets. The trigger member includes a base portion with a pivot point, an actuating portion extending from the base portion in a first direction, and a magnetic trigger portion extending from the base portion in a second direction. The magnetic trigger portion operatively engages the stationary magnets in a first position. The base portion of the trigger member operatively engages a first sear element, which is operatively connected to a sear arm, which in turn operatively engages a second sear element. A spring operatively biases the first sear element. The second sear element retains a bow string in the first position. In a second position, the trigger member rotates to separate the magnetic trigger portion from the magnets, and the second sear element rotates to release the bow string.