Firearm Trigger Guard Post for Lateral Restraint and Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger guard designs for firearms often cause premature wear and rattling due to external threads and lack of lateral restraint, leading to excessive movement and restricted access, especially when users wear bulky gloves.
Innovation Solution
A trigger guard assembly with a post that threads into the guard, featuring a smooth exterior surface and an intermediate portion with external threads, which engages the firearm to provide lateral restraint and minimize clearance, allowing easy rotation between open and closed positions without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external threads on the set screw are used to secure the trigger guard, then the trigger guard can be retained on the firearm, but premature wear and damage to the flange occurs due to thread contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a smooth intermediate portion on the post that acts as a mediator between the threaded body and the flange. This intermediate portion with enlarged diameter prevents direct thread-to-flange contact, distributing the load over a larger smooth surface area and eliminating the harmful concentrated stresses that cause wear and damage to the aluminum flange.
2Ease of operation
If set screw is retracted into the trigger guard, then the trigger guard can be removed, but lateral restraint is lost causing excessive movement and rattling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic restraint system where the post can be positioned in different states. When installed, the intermediate portion provides continuous lateral restraint against the flange, preventing rattling and excessive movement. When needed, the post can be completely retracted into the trigger guard's first end portion, allowing easy removal while maintaining stability during normal operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If minimal clearance is achieved between set screw and flange, then rattling is reduced, but the external threads make it difficult to achieve this clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric feature - the intermediate portion with enlarged diameter - at the critical location where the post interfaces with the flange. This localized enlargement ensures minimal clearance and stable engagement without requiring tight tolerances on the threaded portions, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired clearance control.
4Reliability
If the trigger guard is configured to provide restricted access, then accidental discharge is prevented, but access to the trigger bow is limited when wearing bulky gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the trigger guard dynamic by enabling it to be quickly removed or repositioned. The simplified retention system using the post with intermediate portion allows the trigger guard to be easily detached from the firearm, providing unrestricted access to the trigger bow when needed, such as when the user is wearing bulky gloves, while maintaining safety during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Trigger guard assemblies for firearms include a trigger guard movable between a closed positon; and an open position providing greater access to a trigger bow of the firearm. The trigger guard assemblies also include a post that engages the trigger guard, and is movable in relation to the trigger guard between a retracted position and an extended position. When in the retracted position, the post does not interfere with movement of the trigger guard between the open and closed positions. When in the extended position, the post interferes with movement of the trigger guard between the open and closed positions, and exerts a lateral force on the firearm to further secure the trigger guard to the firearm.