Off-Trigger Finger Rest with Tactile Ribs for Firearm Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing off-trigger safety devices for firearms do not provide adequate tactile references for the position and orientation of the user's trigger finger, failing to effectively train users in proper trigger finger discipline.
Innovation Solution
An off-trigger finger rest for firearms, featuring a plate with a concave recess and rib protrusions, providing complementary tactile feedback for precise positioning of the trigger finger, and an adhesive attachment for secure mounting to the firearm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If longitudinally aligned protrusions are used in off-trigger safety devices, then the device can be mounted on the firearm, but the device fails to provide adequate tactile references for trigger finger positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific tactile features (concave recess, rib protrusions, and ridge) at precise locations on the plate surface. These localized features provide targeted tactile feedback exactly where the trigger finger contacts the device, rather than relying on uniform or simple protrusions. The concave recess specifically accommodates the finger tip while the ribs and ridge provide alignment references along the finger's length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curvature through the concave recess with a specified radius of curvature (0.25 to 0.75 inches) that matches the natural curvature of the finger tip. This curved surface provides comfortable contact and distinct tactile feedback, improving the ease of operation by allowing the finger to naturally settle into the recessed area rather than contacting flat or sharp edges.
2Ease of operation
If simple protrusions are used for off-trigger positioning, then the device structure remains simple, but complementary tactile references for finger position and orientation are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tactile feedback function into multiple distinct features: the concave recess for finger tip positioning, the plurality of rib protrusions for lateral alignment, and the ridge for longitudinal orientation. Each feature provides a specific aspect of tactile reference, collectively delivering comprehensive positioning guidance without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the surface features by incorporating features that extend in multiple directions. The rib protrusions extend laterally across the plate while the ridge extends along the longitudinal axis, creating a multi-dimensional tactile reference system that guides the finger in both lateral and longitudinal orientations, not just simple protrusions in one direction.
3Ease of operation
If the concave recess has a larger radius of curvature, then it is more comfortable for finger placement, but the precision of trigger finger positioning may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the radius of curvature parameter within a specific range (0.25 to 0.75 inches) to balance comfort and precision. This parameter change allows the recess to be large enough for comfortable finger placement while remaining small enough to provide precise positioning feedback. The specific radius value can be selected based on the intended application and user requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An off-trigger safety training device for firearms and method of use. The off-trigger safety training device is removably attached to a firearm proximal to a trigger of the firearm. The off-trigger safety training device is positioned for longitudinal alignment with a barrel of the firearm and includes a concave recess oriented in alignment with the barrel of the firearm for receiving the operator's trigger finger. Longitudinally extending ribs protrude from a face of the concave recess permit the user to align their finger within the concave recess and receive a complementary longitudinal tactile engagement with the ribs for positive engagement of the trigger finger with the off-trigger safety training device.