Pistol Rear Selector With Visual Firing-Mode Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger systems for semi-automatic firearms require manual manipulation of selectors within the trigger guard, increasing the risk of accidental discharge and do not allow safe visual confirmation of the firing mode without breaking the sight picture, posing safety concerns in high-stress situations.
Innovation Solution
A visual mode indicator system for pistols that allows convenient manipulation of the selector on the side of the firearm and provides safe visual confirmation of the operating mode without disrupting the sight picture, using a moving control element with distinct indicators for different operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the selector is located within the trigger guard for mode switching, then the mode selection is convenient and integrated with the trigger mechanism, but the risk of accidental discharge increases due to unintended selector manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The selector is extracted from the trigger guard and relocated to the rear of the frame where it is accessible for mode switching but separated from the trigger mechanism. This spatial separation maintains ease of operation while eliminating the risk of accidental selector manipulation during trigger engagement.
2Ease of operation
If the mode indicator is positioned adjacent to the selector for easy visual confirmation, then the user can quickly identify the firing mode, but the sight picture is disrupted when checking the mode indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The mode indicator is positioned in the vertical dimension above the barrel extension rather than horizontally adjacent to the selector. This allows the user to view the mode indicator (e.g., 'S' for safe, 'F' for fire) while maintaining proper sight alignment with the target, as the indicator is visible in the upper field of view without requiring head or weapon movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two disconnectors are used in the trigger system to enable pull-and-release firing modes, then the versatility of firing modes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger system is designed with a single disconnector that performs multiple functions: it controls both semi-automatic and pull-and-release firing modes through different operational sequences. This multi-functional design achieves versatile firing mode options while minimizing component count and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Pistols having a plurality of operating conditions have a frame having a trigger, an elongated slide connected to the frame and having a rear end facing a user, a moving control element on the elongated slide and positioned in a first position when the pistol is in a first operating condition, and positioned in a second condition when the pistol is in a second operating condition, an indicator on the moving control element visible to the rear, indicia on the elongated slide having a first element associated with the first operating condition and a second element associated with the second operating condition, and the indicator being registered with the first element of the indicia when the moving control element is in the first position, and the indicator being registered with the second element of the indicia when the moving control element is in the second position.