Optical Trigger Assembly State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm trigger assemblies rely solely on mechanical elements to determine the state of the trigger and firing mechanism, which can lead to errors and safety issues due to the absence of precise positional feedback, especially regarding safety engagement and disengagement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a circuit with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and optical sensors on opposing sides of the trigger mechanism to detect positional changes and emit light, allowing a controller to determine the state of the trigger and safety mechanisms, thereby providing precise feedback and preventing accidental discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical elements alone are used to determine trigger and firing mechanism state, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of positional state is insufficient leading to potential safety errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical state detection with an optical detection system. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) transmit light through the trigger mechanism, and optical sensors detect the light transmission to determine positional states of trigger components and safety mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical sensing with optical sensing significantly improves measurement precision for detecting component positions and safety engagement states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect the state of mechanical components. By placing LEDs on one side of the trigger mechanism and optical sensors on the opposite side, the system uses light transmission through the mechanism to indirectly detect component positions and safety states without direct mechanical contact, achieving precise non-contact measurement.
2Reliability
If optical sensors and LEDs are added to detect trigger mechanism state, then the measurement precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system serves multiple functions within the trigger assembly. The same LED-sensor arrangement detects both trigger shoe position and safety mechanism engagement state simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability by providing comprehensive state monitoring while minimizing the increase in device complexity through shared detection infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring light transmission through the trigger mechanism and using this information to determine real-time positional states. The controller receives signals from optical sensors and uses this feedback to accurately determine whether the safety is engaged or disengaged, and whether the trigger is in a safe or unsafe state, thereby improving overall system 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
This solution enhances the accuracy and safety of the trigger assembly by enabling precise detection of the trigger and safety states, preventing unintended firing and providing a secondary safety mechanism to ensure the safety is fully engaged before discharge.
Implementation Method 1
The first circuit is adjacent to the first side and includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to transmit light through the trigger mechanism toward the second side
Implementation Method 2
The second circuit is adjacent to the second side and includes a plurality of optical sensors corresponding to the plurality of LEDs. Each of the plurality of optical sensors is configured to produce an electrical signal proportional to light received from a respective one of the plurality of LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger assembly includes a plurality of components including a trigger shoe configured to disengage a firing mechanism in response to a force applied by a user. The trigger assembly further includes a first PCB having at least one optical sensor to receive light and a controller configured to determine a positional state of at least one of the trigger shoe and a selected one of the plurality of components in response to the light received by the at least one optical sensor.