Remote Ammunition Ignition Lever Locking Against Accidental Firing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote-controlled ammunition ignition devices face issues with accidental discharge due to pre-tensioned firing pins, which can be triggered unintentionally by vibrations or shocks, leading to insufficient safety.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable guide element, a lever, and a safety mechanism that prevents the lever from moving until remotely activated, using an actuator and a return element to ensure controlled ignition, combined with a safety device to impede the movement of the firing pin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a pre-tensioned hammer is used for remote-controlled ignition, then the ignition energy is readily available, but the device becomes vulnerable to unintentional ignition due to vibrations and shocks during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition energyVSAvoidsafety against unintentional ignition
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent modules: a hammer module that can be pre-tensioned, a separate trigger mechanism, and a safety system with blocking elements. This segmentation allows the hammer to be prepared for ignition while physically isolated by safety blocks that prevent accidental discharge, thus maintaining both ignition readiness and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hammer is pre-tensioned in advance using a tensioning device that can be operated remotely or manually, storing the necessary ignition energy without immediately threatening the safety of the system. The pre-tensioning action is separated from the firing action by intermediate safety mechanisms, allowing energy preparation without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the hammer is pre-tensioned for quick ignition response, then the ignition speed is improved, but the risk of accidental firing increases under vibrational stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition response timeVSAvoidaccidental ignition from vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Safety blocking elements act as intermediaries between the pre-tensioned hammer and the ignition target. These blocks physically intervene to prevent the hammer from striking the ignition element unless deliberately removed or repositioned by the trigger mechanism, thus allowing fast ignition response while blocking harmful vibrational effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety system incorporates blocking elements and positioning mechanisms that are in place before the ignition sequence is initiated. These protective measures cushion against the harmful effects of vibrations and shocks by preventing the hammer from moving toward the ignition element under abnormal conditions, while allowing rapid controlled ignition when triggered.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a complex safety system with multiple independent mechanisms is implemented, then the safety against accidental ignition is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety securityVSAvoidnumber of safety mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple safety functions are merged into integrated components. For example, the trigger mechanism simultaneously performs the function of releasing the hammer and disengaging safety blocks, while the blocking elements serve both as safety barriers and as part of the firing sequence control. This merging reduces the number of separate mechanisms while maintaining comprehensive safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Key components are designed to perform multiple functions. The trigger mechanism not only initiates firing but also coordinates the disengagement of safety blocks. The blocking elements serve both as safety barriers and as mechanical interfaces for the trigger system. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides reliable and safe remote ignition of ammunition by preventing accidental discharge, ensuring the lever and striker are only activated when intended, thus enhancing safety.

Implementation Method 1

An electromagnet is proposed for the actuator, which can be magnetized or demagnetized by remote control.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

A spring can be provided as the simplest embodiment for this purpose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3722733B1Device for remotely controlled ignition of ammunition
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH
  • EP3722733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3722733B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3722733B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Device for remotely igniting ammunition. The device includes an ignition device (16) and a firing pin (1). Furthermore, the device has a movable lever (4) that can move the firing pin (1). A guide element (2) is movably mounted within the device and, upon movement, can cause the lever (4) to rotate. The guide element (2) can assume a rest position from which it can only be moved by an actuator and/or a remotely controlled driving force. A safety device (14, 18) is also provided, which can restrict the movement of the lever (4).