Trigger Bar Safety Lockout via Disconnector Cam Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semi-automatic pistol designs lack a safety feature to prevent the firing pin from bouncing off or pushing the trigger bar during the firing sequence, relying on external frame features for safety, which complicates manufacturing and can result in incomplete trigger bar travel.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a disconnector trigger bar safety within the pistol, featuring an inset portion on the trigger bar and a protuberance on the disconnector that mate to prevent downward movement of the trigger bar, eliminating the need for frame-mounted safety features and allowing for a shorter trigger pull.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frame-mounted safety features are used to prevent trigger bar movement, then safety function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety function with the disconnector component by integrating a cam surface directly into the disconnector that interacts with the trigger bar. This eliminates the need for separate frame-mounted safety features, reducing device complexity while maintaining the safety function. The disconnector now performs both its primary function of resetting the trigger bar and the secondary function of preventing accidental discharge during slide forward movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnector is designed to serve multiple functions: it resets the trigger bar after firing and simultaneously provides safety lockout during the slide's forward movement. The cam surface on the disconnector interacts with the trigger bar to prevent downward movement during critical phases of operation, making the disconnector a multi-functional component that reduces overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If frame-mounted safety features are used to prevent trigger bar movement, then safety function is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the safety cam surface into the disconnector rather than requiring separate frame-mounted features, the patent reduces the number of critical interfaces between components. This consolidation lowers manufacturing precision requirements as fewer separate parts need to be precisely fitted together to achieve the safety function.
3Reliability
If complete trigger bar travel is required to maintain safety zone, then safety function is achieved, but trigger pull length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface on the disconnector applies a preliminary restraining force to the trigger bar during the slide's forward movement, preventing the trigger bar from moving downward into an unsafe position before the trigger is fully released. This preliminary anti-action ensures safety is maintained throughout the entire firing cycle without requiring excessive trigger bar travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The interaction between the disconnector cam surface and trigger bar creates a dynamic safety mechanism that adapts to the firing cycle. The cam surface provides restraint during critical phases (slide forward movement) and allows normal operation during other phases, optimizing trigger pull length while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnector trigger bar safety for a semi-automatic pistol is provided and includes a trigger bar having a firing pin end having a sear surface and a cam surface. The trigger bar has an inside surface disposed adjacent to the cam surface. A disconnector is moveable from an inward position to an outward position and has a cam surface to receive the cam surface of a trigger bar. An inset portion is provided on the trigger bar at the firing pin end that has a bottom surface. A protuberance on the side of the disconnector is provided to mate with the inset portion of the trigger bar. The protuberance has a top surface matable to the bottom surface of the inset portion. Rearward movement of the trigger bar causes the cam surface of the trigger bar to slide against the cam surface of the disconnector to move the firing pin end of the trigger bar downwardly. The disconnector moves to provide clearance for the trigger bar to move upward. The top surface of the protuberance mates with the bottom portion of inset portion of the trigger bar to prevent downward movement of the trigger bar. Forward movement of the trigger bar causes the top surface of the disconnector to disengage from the bottom portion of the inset portion of the trigger bar and causes the disconnector to move to allow the cam surface of the trigger bar to reengage with the cam surface of the disconnector.