Toy Gun Trigger Locking Device for Projectile Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy guns, such as crossbows and pistols, pose a safety risk due to the potential use of foreign projectiles, which can cause injury or damage, and there is a need for a mechanism to ensure that only intended projectiles are fired.
Innovation Solution
A toy gun design featuring a barrel with a locking device that can be brought into a blocking position, preventing the trigger from being actuated unless a specifically intended projectile is in the firing position, utilizing a mechanism that can be held in place by gravity or a detachable connection, such as a magnet or spring, to secure the trigger in a locked state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unauthorized projectiles, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-configured in a locked position that prevents trigger actuation. The safe condition is established beforehand through the locking mechanism's default state, requiring specific actions (inserting authorized projectile or using override) to change the safety state. This resolves the contradiction by implementing safety through preliminary positioning rather than continuous complex control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as an intermediary element between the trigger and the firing mechanism. It mediates the trigger actuation process by physically blocking the trigger's movement path when in the locked position, thereby preventing unauthorized firing without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems. This intermediary mechanism provides simple yet effective safety.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to block the trigger, then unauthorized firing is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically transition from locked to unlocked state when an authorized projectile is inserted into the barrel. The projectile itself serves the dual function of being the intended target object and the key that releases the locking mechanism. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation for authorized users while preserving safety against unauthorized use.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device transitions from a static blocked state to a dynamic state where it can be released. The mechanism allows the trigger to move freely when the locking device is in the unlocked position, providing normal operational ease. The dynamic nature of the locking mechanism ensures it adapts to the presence of authorized versus unauthorized projectiles, maintaining user convenience for legitimate use.
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
This design effectively prevents the firing of unauthorized projectiles, enhancing safety by ensuring that only intended projectiles can be launched, thereby reducing the risk of injury or damage.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking device can be brought into the blocking position and/or held in this position by means of a magnet
Implementation Method 2
The blocking device is preferably held in the blocking position by the action of gravity and/or can be brought into the blocking position by the action of gravity
Implementation Method 3
the blocking device can be brought into the blocking position and/or held in this position by means of a magnet and/or a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A toy gun is used to accelerate a projectile (2) in a target direction (Z) and comprises a barrel (4) that guides the projectile (2) in the target direction (Z), a firing mechanism with a manually operated trigger (30) designed such that the firing mechanism is triggered when the trigger (30) is pulled to accelerate the projectile (2), and a locking device (40) that can be moved into a locked position and into a release position other than the locked position. The locking device (40) is designed to act on the trigger (30) such that the trigger (30) cannot be pulled when the locking device (40) is in the locked position, and that the trigger (30) can be pulled when the locking device (40) is in the release position.