Firearm Trigger Arm Aperture for Fouling Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon fouling and debris accumulation in firearms, particularly in those with short barrels or suppressors, lead to malfunctions by impeding the movement of the semi-auto disconnector and hammer reset, causing operational issues after a limited number of rounds.
Innovation Solution
The trigger design features a unique arm structure with apertures and clearance areas that allow fouling and debris to clear, preventing impeded movement between the trigger and disconnector, and between the trigger and its housing, ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct gas impingement is used to eject spent cartridge and re-cock the rifle, then the rifle can operate semi-automatically, but carbon fouling builds in propellant gas passageways preventing normal operation of the semi-auto disconnector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful carbon fouling from the trigger cavity by providing a dedicated egress path. The aperture in the trigger allows carbon and debris to be removed from the cavity, preventing accumulation that would interfere with disconnector operation while maintaining the direct gas impingement system's high rate of fire capability
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture acts as an intermediary element between the trigger cavity interior and exterior environments. It provides a controlled passage that allows carbon fouling to exit the cavity without compromising the structural integrity or sealing of the trigger assembly, thus mediating between the need for a closed system and the need for fouling removal
2Ease of operation
If the trigger arm has a cavity to receive the semi-auto disconnector, then the disconnector can rotate to capture and reset the hammer, but fouling and debris collect in the cavity impeding movement of the disconnector
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture provides an extraction path for fouling and debris from the trigger arm cavity. By creating this opening in the lower surface of the trigger arm, carbon buildup and other debris can be removed from the cavity, preventing interference with disconnector rotation and hammer capture operations
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger arm incorporates a porous-like feature in the form of an aperture through its lower surface. This opening allows the cavity to effectively become partially open to the exterior, enabling fouling removal while maintaining the cavity's function of receiving and guiding the semi-auto disconnector
3Device complexity
If the trigger is designed with a compact structure, then the firearm is easier to handle, but fouling can collect under the rear portion of the trigger preventing hammer reset
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture extracts the fouling removal function from the compact trigger structure. By incorporating this opening in the lower surface of the trigger arm, the design maintains its compact form factor while providing a pathway for carbon and debris to exit areas that would otherwise trap fouling and prevent hammer reset
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 design effectively prevents fouling and debris from interfering with the trigger and disconnector movement, maintaining reliable firearm operation even after extensive use, reducing the likelihood of jams and ensuring consistent firing capability.
Implementation Method 1
A lower surface of the arm comprises an aperture in fluid communication with the slot... allowing fouling and debris to clear
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a trigger comprises a sear surface, a trigger bow extending in a first direction, an arm extending in a second direction different from the first direction and an aperture arranged to receive a trigger pin. The arm comprises a cavity. A lower surface of the arm comprises an aperture in fluid communication with the cavity.