Sliding Trigger Enclosure with Spring-Loaded Locking Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm locking mechanisms are externally mounted, leading to issues such as lost or incorrectly secured locks, which can result in unauthorized access and delayed access in emergency situations, as they do not prevent unauthorized users from operating the firearm.
Innovation Solution
A sliding trigger enclosure system for long guns that includes a frame secured to the firearm receiver with factory-supplied hardware, a sliding shoulder stock, and a locking mechanism with spring-loaded pins and user authentication devices like combination locks or biometric sensors to secure the firearm in a locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external locking mechanisms are mounted on the firearm, then the firearm can be secured in a locked state, but the locks may become lost or be incorrectly secured, resulting in unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking mechanism directly into the firearm stock itself, merging the stock and lock functions into a single unit. This eliminates separate external locks that can be lost or misplaced, while maintaining reliable security through the integrated design that requires proper alignment and engagement of the locking components within the stock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through spring-loaded pins that automatically engage when the stock is assembled. The system uses its own internal components (springs, pins, and geometric constraints) to ensure proper locking without requiring external tools or complex user intervention, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If external locking mechanisms are used, then the firearm can be secured, but access may be delayed in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring-loaded locking pins that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The springs provide rapid movement of the pins when actuated, enabling quick access when needed while maintaining secure locking during normal storage. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between security and rapid access by allowing the system to respond quickly to user input.
3Productivity
If the trigger assembly is accessible, then the firearm can be operated immediately, but unauthorized users can operate the firearm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by positioning the locking pins to block trigger access before any operation can occur. The stock geometry and locking mechanism are designed so that unauthorized access is prevented in advance, while authorized users can quickly disengage the locks through the actuator mechanism, thereby maintaining both security and accessibility.
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 system effectively prevents unauthorized access and ensures immediate access in emergencies by securely locking the firearm in a SAFE position, while allowing authorized users to transition to a FIRE position with authentication.
Implementation Method 1
The locking mechanism can include a pair of spring-loaded locking pins that are engaged by an actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding trigger enclosure system for a long gun includes a frame that is removably secured to the receiver of a firearm by factory-supplied hardware, and a hollow shoulder stock having a pair of side surfaces that extend outward from the front end. The shoulder stock is slidingly engaged over the frame and transitions between a FIRE position where the trigger assembly of the long gun is accessible, and a SAFE position where the pair of side surfaces are locked in a parallel orientation to the trigger assembly to prevent access to the same. A locking mechanism is disposed along the frame and secures the shoulder stock in the SAFE position. The locking mechanism including a pair of spring-loaded locking pins that are engaged by an actuator, and a user authentication device.