Scotch Yoke Trigger Mechanism for Compact Firearm Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact pistols face challenges in concealability, quick draw capability, and reliability due to their design complexities and protrusions, which hinder rapid deployment and increase the risk of hang points during drawing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a new trigger mechanism utilizing a single-quadrant, fixed-point, modified Scotch Yoke mechanism, allowing for linear movement of the trigger to release and cock the hammer, enhancing concealability and quick draw capabilities while simplifying the internal mechanism for improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact pistol design is used to improve concealability, then the pistol size is reduced, but the trigger mechanism complexity increases leading to reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a trigger finger piece for linear movement, a separate hammer assembly, and a Scotch Yoke conversion mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness, resolving the contradiction between small size and mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a Scotch Yoke mechanism that converts linear trigger movement into rotational hammer movement through a fixed point pivot. This dimensional conversion allows the mechanism to achieve complex hammer actions (rotation and cocking) from simple linear trigger input, reducing the overall mechanism complexity while maintaining compact pistol dimensions.
2Reliability
If traditional trigger mechanisms are used to ensure reliability, then the mechanism is robust, but the pistol thickness increases reducing concealability
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a spring-loaded sear mechanism and a pivot point that allows the hammer to rotate and cock automatically. This dynamic design maintains reliability through proper mechanical engagement while minimizing the static thickness of the pistol by allowing components to move within a compact envelope during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism components are nested within the pistol frame: the trigger finger piece moves linearly within a guide, the Scotch Yoke converts this motion at a fixed pivot point, and the hammer assembly is positioned to rotate within the available space. This nested arrangement ensures reliable mechanical engagement while keeping the pistol thickness minimized for better concealability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex internal mechanisms are used to achieve full functionality, then the pistol features are enhanced, but the quick draw capability is reduced due to increased deployment time
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer is pre-cocked through the automatic cocking mechanism activated by the trigger's linear movement before the trigger blade releases the sear. This preliminary action ensures the hammer is already in the firing position, eliminating any delay during the draw and allowing immediate firing upon trigger engagement, thus reducing overall deployment time while maintaining full functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If protrusions are added to the pistol for operational features, then the pistol functionality is improved, but the risk of hang points during drawing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger finger piece and hammer release mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly where the linear movement of the trigger finger piece directly actuates the hammer through the Scotch Yoke conversion. This merging eliminates the need for separate protruding levers or buttons, allowing all operational features to be accessed through the smooth contour of the trigger guard area, thus maintaining functionality while eliminating hang point risks during drawing.
Data Source
AI summary
A hammerset device for a firearm incorporates a single quadrant, fixed point, modified Scotch Yoke mechanism between a trigger finger piece and a hammer such that linear movement of the trigger finger piece translates to releasing the hammer, and optionally, continued linear movement of the trigger cocks the hammer for a subsequent firing of the firearm.