Reusable Simulated Weapon Impact Triggering Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reusable simulated weapons face issues with poor triggering reliability, complex resetting procedures, high manufacturing and consumable costs, and unimpressive effects, particularly in impact-triggered devices that often rely on costly or hazardous pyrotechnic charges.

Innovation Solution

A reusable simulated weapon design featuring a pressurized gas system with a shuttle and pilot valve mechanism, a firing pin that engages and disengages to actuate the pilot valve upon impact, and a rupturable element for producing sound, allowing for reliable triggering and simple resetting using commonly available and low-cost pressurized gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional impact-triggered devices use hardened components for reliable triggering, then triggering reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriggering reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the trigger mechanism from hardened metal components to elastomeric material. This parameter change maintains triggering reliability through the elastomeric's ability to deform and return under impact while simplifying the overall mechanism structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical triggering systems with a simplified elastomeric-based system. The elastomeric element directly converts impact force into triggering action without requiring multiple hardened components, springs, or complex linkages, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional simulated weapons use pyrotechnic charges for loud sonic report, then sound effect is improved, but safety and handling complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound effectVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a disposable elastomeric power element instead of hazardous pyrotechnic charges. The elastomeric element can be safely replaced after use, providing the necessary sound effect without the safety hazards of pyrotechnics. This approach eliminates the need for specialized handling, storage, and disposal procedures required for pyrotechnic materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of pyrotechnic charges into a safe alternative by using elastomeric energy storage. The energy that would have been released through dangerous chemical reactions is instead stored mechanically in the elastomeric material, which then releases it safely to produce the desired sound effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional devices use complicated reassembly procedures for resetting, then component durability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidresetting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device into modular components, particularly making the power element (elastomeric element) a separate replaceable unit. This segmentation allows users to simply replace the power element rather than performing complicated reassembly procedures, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining device durability through the use of durable housing and mechanism components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective means of producing an impressive sonic effect or ejecting projectiles, with improved triggering reliability and simplified resetting, while utilizing affordable and safe consumables.

Implementation Method 1

a holding chamber for holding a pressurized gas, the body further defining an expansion chamber in communication with the holding chamber for receiving expanding gas from the holding chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas expansion: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The protrusion and recess are shaped to release the firing pin from the armed position in response to an impact to the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS11287231B2Reusable simulated weapon and triggering mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 AIRSOFT INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A reusable simulated weapon device includes a holding chamber and an expansion chamber for receiving expanding gas. A shuttle is slidable between a closed position that blocks communication between the holding chamber and the expansion chamber and an open position that allows communication. A pilot valve allows pressurized gas in the holding chamber to drive the shuttle into the open position. A firing pin opens the pilot valve. The firing pin has an armed position, in which a protrusion engages with a recess to hold the firing pin against a spring. The firing pin can be released from the armed position in response to an impact to the device. When the firing pin is released, the spring drives the firing pin to actuate the pilot valve, causing the shuttle to slide from the closed position to the open position to allow gas to move into the expansion chamber.