Takedown Lever Safety Block for Handgun Trigger and Magazine Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handguns face challenges in preventing unintentional discharge during the takedown and cleaning process due to users not following safe protocols, such as pulling the trigger without clearing the chamber or attempting to load a magazine with the slide removed.
Innovation Solution
A takedown lever assembly that rotates counterclockwise to a takedown position, featuring a safety block that prevents trigger rotation and magazine installation, ensuring the lever is stable as a thumb rest and preventing unsafe conditions during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the takedown lever rotates clockwise to the takedown position, then the lever can be moved to remove the slide, but the lever becomes unstable when used as a thumb rest during firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional clockwise rotation direction of the takedown lever to a counterclockwise rotation. This reversal positions the lever wing in a stable horizontal orientation when viewed from the left side, allowing it to function effectively as a thumb rest during firing while maintaining ease of operation for takedown procedures
2Ease of operation
If the takedown lever is made accessible for easy operation, then users can quickly remove the slide for cleaning, but users may accidentally pull the trigger during takedown procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety block as an intermediary component that physically blocks the trigger mechanism when the takedown lever is in the takedown position. This mediator prevents accidental trigger pulls during slide removal and cleaning procedures, while not interfering with normal firing operations when the lever is in the firing position
Solution Approach 2:
The safety block is positioned to preemptively block the trigger mechanism before any accidental discharge can occur. When the takedown lever is moved to the takedown position, the safety block automatically engages to prevent trigger operation, addressing the potential hazard before it can manifest
3Ease of repair
If the takedown lever allows slide removal for maintenance, then cleaning can be performed, but magazine installation may be attempted with the slide removed creating unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The safety block serves as a mediator that prevents magazine installation when the slide is removed. When the takedown lever is in the takedown position, the safety block extends into the magazine well to block magazine insertion, thereby preventing unsafe loading conditions during maintenance procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A handgun trigger has a trigger body configured for pivotable or rotatable movement when installed in a handgun. A trigger shoe is removably attached or attachable to the trigger body and defines a user interface for firing the handgun. The trigger shoe can be made of polymeric material and can be attached to the trigger body using a snap fit. For example, the trigger shoe snaps over rear-facing surfaces of the trigger body when installed. Also disclosed is a takedown lever assembly for a semiautomatic handgun, where the takedown actuation lever operable between a firing position and a takedown position. In the takedown position the takedown actuation lever permits removal of the slide from the frame. In the takedown position the trigger is blocked from rotating to the pulled trigger position.