Optical Trigger Mechanism for Bows and Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger mechanisms in bows, crossbows, and firearms suffer from friction due to multiple mechanical parts interacting, leading to a rough pull and potential inaccuracies in shooting, and lack the ability to adjust the pull distance for releasing projectiles.
Innovation Solution
An optical trigger system featuring a pivotally retained trigger member with a light source and receiver, a spring for biasing the trigger, and light shields to prevent false releases, allowing for adjustable pull distance through angular travel adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical trigger mechanisms are used, then the trigger can release the projectile, but friction from multiple mechanical parts interacting causes a rough pull and reduces shooting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical trigger mechanism with an optical trigger system that uses a light source, light receiver, and trigger member with a hole. When the trigger member is pulled to a specific position, light passes through the hole to activate the release, eliminating the need for mechanical parts to interact and thus eliminating friction-related roughness and improving shooting accuracy
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical trigger mechanisms are used, then the trigger can release the projectile, but the pull distance cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an adjustable element that allows the trigger member's hole position to be moved relative to the light source and light receiver, enabling the pull distance to be adjusted. This dynamic adjustment capability is integrated into the optical trigger structure without significantly increasing overall complexity
3Reliability
If the trigger member is pulled to activate the release, then the projectile is fired, but roughness or grittiness from machining sear surfaces causes vibration and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the sear mechanism and other mechanical contact surfaces that are subject to machining roughness by using an optical detection system. The trigger member's position is detected optically through the hole alignment, eliminating mechanical interactions that cause vibration and improve shooting accuracy
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 optical trigger mechanism reduces friction and allows for a smoother, more accurate trigger pull by eliminating mechanical part interactions and enabling customizable pull distance settings.
Implementation Method 1
An actuation hole is preferably formed above pivot point. The actuation hole allows light to travel from the light source to the light receiver.
Implementation Method 2
One end of a spring is engaged with an edge of the actuation area and the other end is retained by at least one of the first and second plates. The spring biases the trigger to be in a non-pulled position.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical trigger for bows, crossbows and firearms preferably includes a trigger member, a light source and a light receiver. The trigger member is pivotally retained relative to at least one surface with a pivot rod. The trigger member preferably includes a pull area and an actuation area. An actuation hole is preferably formed above a pivot point. The actuation hole allows light to travel from the light source to the light receiver. The light source and the light receiver are retained relative to one of first and second sides of the trigger member. One end of a spring is engaged with an edge of the actuation area and the other end is retained relative to a support surface. It is preferable to have a light shield located on opposing sides of the trigger member. Each light shield surrounds the actuation hole and the light source or light receiver.