Pivotable Handgun Thumbrest for Holster Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thumbrest models for handguns are not pivotable, causing obstruction issues with holsters and limiting shooter choice in thumb placement, leading to difficulties in holstering and unholstering the weapon.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable thumbrest design that can move from a collapsed position adjacent to the handgun frame to an extended position, allowing the shooter to engage their thumb without modifying the holster, and includes a spring and stop structure to maintain the extended position for improved control and recoil reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed thumbrest is attached to the lateral side of the handgun frame, then the shooter gains improved control and recoil reduction, but the thumbrest obstructs insertion into and withdrawal from standard holsters
Solution Approach 1:
The thumbrest is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between an extended position (providing thumb support for control and recoil reduction) and a retracted position (clearing the path for holster insertion and withdrawal). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the thumbrest position to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbrest is separated into a movable component that can be independently positioned relative to the handgun frame. This segmentation allows the thumbrest to be decoupled from the fixed holster interface, enabling both thumb support functionality and unobstructed holster operation.
2Device complexity
If a thumbrest is permanently affixed to the handgun frame, then the structure is simplified and durable, but the shooter loses flexibility in thumb placement options
Solution Approach 1:
The thumbrest incorporates a pivot mechanism that allows it to rotate between multiple positions, providing the shooter with flexible thumb placement options while maintaining a relatively simple attachment structure to the handgun frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable thumbrest serves multiple functions: it can be positioned to accommodate different thumb sizes and preferences, can be retracted when not needed, and maintains a simple attachment design. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and placement flexibility.
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
Enables secure thumb engagement for improved control and recoil reduction while allowing easy holstering and unholstering without modifying the holster, providing shooters with flexibility in thumb placement options.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to bias the thumb support toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
In applying a force through the thumb of the non-trigger hand against the thumbrest, the shooter may exert greater control and grip of the handgun
Data Source
AI summary
A thumbrest for a handgun is provided, the thumbrest having at least a thumb support and a support base. The support base may be configured for mounting to the handgun. The thumb support may be pivotably movable with respect to the support base or a lateral side of a handgun frame, pivoting between a collapsed position, wherein the thumb support may be folded up adjacent to, or in contact with, the support base or the lateral side of the handgun frame, and an extended position, wherein the thumb support may be pivoted away from the support base or the lateral side of the handgun frame. In other embodiments, a spring may be configured to bias the thumb support toward the extended position, and a stop structure may be configured to limit pivotal movement of the thumb support, such that liming pivotal movement of the thumb support defines the extended position.