Pistol Trigger Assembly With Spring-Biased Blocked Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a pistol or firearm trigger assembly that prevents inadvertent firing to enhance safety.
Innovation Solution
A trigger assembly with a pivotally mounted trigger shoe and a spring that biases the trigger shoe into a position where a frame portion blocks its movement, requiring deliberate user action to overcome the spring force for firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trigger shoe is made freely movable on the trigger support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of inadvertent firing
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger shoe is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be held in multiple positions (blocked position where the frame prevents movement, and unblocked position where firing is enabled). The spring mechanism dynamically transitions between these states based on user input, providing both safety and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary element between the trigger shoe and the firing mechanism. When the trigger shoe is in the blocked position, the frame physically intervenes to prevent movement and thus prevent inadvertent firing. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled restriction on movement.
2Reliability
If the trigger shoe is blocked by the frame to prevent movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from a blocked state (where the frame prevents trigger shoe movement for safety) to an unblocked state (where the trigger shoe can move freely to enable firing). This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between reliability and ease of operation based on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism performs preliminary action by continuously biasing the trigger shoe toward the blocked position, creating a default safe state. The user must deliberately apply force to overcome this preliminary blocking action, ensuring that firing only occurs when intentionally commanded.
3Reliability
If a spring mechanism is added to bias the trigger shoe, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is merged with the existing trigger support and frame structure rather than being a separate independent system. The spring is positioned between the trigger shoe and trigger support, utilizing the existing pivot mounting points and structural elements, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is self-regulating, automatically maintaining the trigger shoe in the blocked position without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuation mechanisms. This self-service capability provides reliable position control while avoiding the complexity of active control systems.
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 trigger remains in a safe position unless intentionally actuated, enhancing safety and providing a distinct tactile feel.
Implementation Method 1
a spring located between a portion of the trigger shoe and the trigger support, the spring biasing the portion of the trigger shoe into a first position where a portion of the frame blocks movement of the trigger shoe
Data Source
AI summary
A pistol with a trigger assembly, the trigger assembly, including: a trigger support pivotally mounted to a frame of the pistol; a trigger shoe pivotally mounted to the trigger support; and a spring located between a portion of the trigger shoe and the trigger support, the spring biasing the portion of the trigger shoe into a first position where a portion of the frame blocks movement of the trigger shoe.