Trigger Block Shroud for Child-Resistant Firearm Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current firearm safety devices that prevent accidental discharges are cumbersome, time-consuming, or easily removable, failing to protect against accidental discharges by pets and children without altering the firearm's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A trigger block that shrouds the trigger, allowing normal firearm operation while requiring adult strength to remove, featuring breakable, collapsible, or slide mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a trigger lock device is used to prevent accidental discharges, then safety against accidental discharges is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to use in emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against accidental dischargesVSAvoidtime to remove trigger lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger block is divided into a main body and a separate removal tool. The removal tool can be detached and stored separately, allowing the trigger block to be quickly removed by simply detaching the tool and pulling the block off the trigger. This segmentation enables rapid removal without requiring complex key operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removal tool is extracted as a separate component that can be easily detached from the trigger block. This allows the user to quickly remove the trigger block by simply taking out the removal tool and pulling the block off, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional key-based locks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a key-based trigger lock is used, then prevention of accidental discharges is improved, but the device is not suitable for carry situations and requires additional keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dischargesVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool is designed to be self-contained and can be operated without requiring any additional keys or complex mechanisms. The tool features a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically engages with the trigger block when inserted, allowing the user to quickly remove the block by simply pulling it off after inserting the tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The removal tool serves multiple functions: it can be used to remove the trigger block, and it can be stored in a pocket or container without requiring separate key storage. The tool's compact design and automatic engagement mechanism make it universally applicable to various trigger block configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a trigger block is designed to be easily removed, then ease of operation is improved, but the device can be easily removed by pets and children leading to accidental discharges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidprotection against pets and children

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The removal tool is pre-configured with a spring-loaded engagement mechanism that requires deliberate action to activate. The tool must be inserted into a specific opening and pressed against a spring, creating a positive engagement that prevents accidental removal by pets or children while allowing intentional removal by adults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger block features a localized opening positioned at the rear of the block, accessible only from the rear. This localized access point requires deliberate positioning and action to access, making it difficult for pets or children to accidentally remove the block while still allowing intentional removal by adults who can properly position the removal tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If a trigger block shrouds the trigger completely, then protection against accidental discharges is improved, but the functionality of the firearm is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against accidental dischargesVSAvoidfirearm functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger block shrouds only the front portion of the trigger where accidental contact occurs, while leaving the rear portion accessible for intentional trigger operation. The block features a cutout or opening at the rear that allows the trigger to be properly accessed and actuated, maintaining full firearm functionality while providing protection against accidental discharges from the front.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250305785A1Trigger Block

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 MONTGOMERY JAMES

AI summary

A plurality of trigger blocks are described. An embodiment of the trigger block can be implemented as a slide trigger block adapted to shroud a trigger to aid in preventing accidental discharges of a firearm. The slide trigger block can implement slide trigger block can include frame members each having an engagement assembly to removably couple to one another.