Sealed Trigger Housing for Firearm Debris Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Firearms' trigger mechanisms are prone to malfunction due to the ingress of foreign debris such as sand or dust, which can prevent moving parts from functioning properly, requiring disassembly and cleaning to restore functionality.

Innovation Solution

A sealed trigger housing is designed with a pair of side plates and a plurality of seals to enclose and protect the internal components, preventing debris from entering and ensuring smooth operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the trigger housing is sealed to prevent foreign debris from entering, then the reliability of the firearm is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of seals and sealed housing structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirearm reliabilityVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible seals (thin films) around protruding components to create a sealed barrier that prevents debris ingress while allowing the components to move. The seals are positioned in grooves or channels within the housing, forming flexible barriers that maintain sealing effectiveness without rigidly constraining the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If seals are added around protruding components to prevent debris ingress, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional manufacturing steps and precision requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirearm reliabilityVSAvoidhousing manufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent seals, each positioned around specific protruding components. This segmentation allows each seal to be independently installed and replaced, simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process. The seals are positioned in dedicated grooves or channels that are integrated into the housing structure, allowing for modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If the trigger housing is sealed to prevent debris entry, then the maintenance frequency is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the sealed structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance timeVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed housing structure provides self-protection against debris ingress, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning and maintenance. The seals automatically maintain the barrier function throughout the component's operational life, allowing the firearm to operate without human intervention for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10837726B2Methods and apparatus for sealed trigger housing
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 M&M MANUFACTURING LLC
  • US10837726B2 patent drawing
  • US10837726B2 patent drawing
  • US10837726B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sealed trigger housing according to various aspects of the present technology is configured to provide a more effective method of preventing foreign debris from entering the trigger housing. Various embodiments of the sealed trigger housing comprise a pair of side plates configured to at least partially house a trigger, a hammer, and a selector switch within an interior portion of the trigger housing. A plurality of sealing elements may be used to create a seal around any component that protrudes outwardly from the trigger housing.