Remotely Actuated Firearm Safety Holster with Mobile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm safety devices are inadequate as they rely on the owner's presence and ability to manage safety, are difficult to use for multiple weapons, and do not provide remote monitoring or secure weapons during transit, with existing remote locking systems being expensive and requiring modification of the firearm.
Innovation Solution
A remotely activated safety holster and trigger lock system using a mobile device to control an electronically actuated locking mechanism, allowing secure storage and tracking of firearms without modifying the weapon, using cellular, satellite, or short-range wireless technologies for remote access and biometric authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional gun locks are used, then the weapon can be secured, but the owner must be physically present to lock or unlock it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-based locking systems with an electronically actuated locking mechanism that can be controlled remotely via mobile device. The electronic actuator receives signals from the mobile device and automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for physical presence and mechanical key manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the owner and the locking mechanism. The mobile device transmits control signals wirelessly to the electronically actuated locking mechanism, serving as a mediator that enables remote operation without requiring direct physical interaction with the lock.
2Reliability
If traditional locks are used, then the weapon can be secured, but they require physical keys or combinations that can be lost or forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical key systems and combination locks with an electronically controlled actuating mechanism. The electronic system uses digital authentication methods through the mobile device, eliminating the problems of lost physical keys or forgotten combinations while maintaining secure access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the owner to independently control the locking and unlocking of the weapon through their mobile device without needing physical keys or remembering combinations. The mobile device serves as a self-contained authentication and control interface that the owner already possesses and can easily operate.
3Ease of operation
If integrated remote locking systems are installed in weapons, then remote securing is possible, but the weapon body must be modified which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the locking function from the weapon body by using an external holster or mounting system that contains the electronically actuated locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the locking system to be attached to or removed from the weapon without modifying the weapon's integral structure, thereby reducing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The holster or mounting system serves multiple functions: it stores the weapon, provides the electronically actuated locking mechanism, and enables remote control capability. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate integrated systems in each weapon, reducing overall complexity and allowing the same solution to work with various weapon types without modification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locks are used, then the weapon can be secured at home, but they cannot secure weapons during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static mechanical locks with an electronically actuated system that can be controlled remotely at any location. The electronic actuator responds to wireless signals from the mobile device regardless of whether the weapon is at home or in transit, providing consistent security control in both stationary and mobile scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static locking (traditional locks that require physical manipulation at the location) to dynamic locking (electronic control that can be activated remotely at any moment). This allows the weapon to be secured or unsecured on demand during transit, adapting to the changing needs of the owner regardless of location.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety holster, trigger lock and utility lock including an electronically actuated locking mechanism configured to admit the weapon or object into the device, and to engage a feature of the weapon, thereby preventing the withdrawal of the weapon prior to release of the electronically actuated locking mechanism; a control system including a microcontroller unit adapted to actuate the electronically actuated locking mechanism upon receipt of a control signal where the device provides for insertion of the weapon into the holster body/trigger guard, with the locking mechanism which admits the weapon during insertion, and which engages the weapon feature for retention of the weapon in a locked state upon receiving a locking control signal from an external device until the locking mechanism is disengaged by receiving an unlocking control signal from the external device.