Machine Gun Trigger Lever Assembly Resists Jostling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine guns mounted on vehicles or aircraft are prone to unintended discharge due to jostling or impacts, which can result in accidents and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A trigger lever assembly for machine guns that includes a pivotably mounted trigger lever, a first link, a second link, and a third link, where the assembly is designed to resist inadvertent firing by using a block surface to prevent the trigger lever from rotating to a firing position during impulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a direct-trigger mechanism is used for machine guns, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability against unintended discharge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a spade grip lever, a trigger lever, a first link, a second link, and a third link. Each component performs a specific function in the firing sequence, creating a segmented mechanical pathway that prevents unintended discharge while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple intermediary links (first link, second link, third link) are introduced between the operator's input on the spade grip and the actual trigger activation. These intermediary components act as mediators that transmit motion only when properly sequenced, preventing direct transmission of impulses that could cause unintended discharge.
2Device complexity
If a simple trigger mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection against harmful factors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism incorporates preliminary protective actions through the block surface and multi-link arrangement that prevent harmful impulses from reaching the trigger. The block surface proactively blocks certain motion paths, and the multi-link system requires specific sequential activation, creating preliminary barriers against unintended discharge from drops or jostling.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger mechanism uses dynamic, movable links that can pivot and rotate between different positions. The first link rotates about a pivot, the second link pivots to transfer motion, and the third link moves to ultimately actuate the trigger. This dynamic configuration allows the system to respond differently to intentional activation versus accidental impulses.
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger lever assembly includes a link rotatable between a first position and a second position. The link has a first leg extending from an axis of rotation to a first end portion and a second leg extending from the axis of rotation to a second end portion. A trigger lever is mounted to the first end portion of the link and is rotatable between a blocked position and an unblocked position. The trigger lever is biased toward the blocked position. In the blocked position, a second end portion of the trigger lever contacts a first protrusion on the link. On the other hand, when the trigger lever is in the unblocked position, the second end portion of the trigger lever abuts a second protrusion on the link. The assembly can be part of a spade grip assembly or part of a complete machine gun.