Trigger-Locking Apparatus for Semiautomatic Firearms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Selectable dual mode triggers for semiautomatic firearms often experience misfires due to light primer strikes and unexpected trigger states during actuation, particularly during magazine changes, necessitating improvements to prevent bump-firing and provide tactile feedback on ammunition depletion.
Innovation Solution
A trigger-locking apparatus that locks the trigger in the rearward position after firing the last round, preventing accidental re-engagement and providing a tactile signal to the user, comprising a structure that transitions between unlocked and locked positions based on the firearm's action cycle, utilizing a carrier assembly to engage and disengage the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dual mode trigger is used to allow firing on both pull and release, then the firearm can fire multiple rounds with single trigger actuations, but misfires occur due to light primer strikes and unexpected trigger states
Solution Approach 1:
The sear is made movable relative to the trigger, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during trigger actuation. This dynamic sear mechanism ensures proper engagement and disengagement timing, preventing light primer strikes and unexpected trigger states while maintaining dual mode functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger-locking apparatus provides tactile feedback to the user through the trigger finger when the action is empty. The locked trigger position serves as a feedback signal indicating magazine status, allowing the user to know when ammunition is depleted without visual confirmation.
2Ease of operation
If the trigger is allowed to move freely during magazine changes, then magazine changes are quick and easy, but bump-firing can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger is locked in the forward position before magazine changes occur. This preliminary locking action prevents the trigger from moving during magazine insertion or removal, eliminating bump-firing risk while allowing quick magazine changes. The lock automatically releases when the action cycles back into battery.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger-locking apparatus applies a counter-action by mechanically preventing trigger movement during vulnerable periods (magazine changes). This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful motion that would cause bump-firing, ensuring safe operation during routine maintenance.
3Loss of information
If the user must visually check the firearm to determine ammunition status, then the user can confirm magazine status, but visual attention must be diverted from the tactical environment
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger-locking apparatus provides tactile feedback through the trigger mechanism itself. When the action is empty and remains out of battery, the trigger stays locked in the rearward position, giving the user immediate tactile awareness of ammunition depletion without requiring visual confirmation or diverting attention from the tactical environment.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for improved control of trigger systems for semiautomatic firearms, which may include a timed locking mechanism incorporated in the trigger system that locks the trigger in the rearward or pulled position after the trigger is pulled and the action of the firearm is cycling or otherwise out-of-battery. Such a mechanism ensures that the necessary steps occur in the proper sequence in the trigger mechanism, preventing unexpected fires, misfires, and jams. Such trigger locking mechanisms have applicability to dual-mode trigger systems as well as semiautomatic firearms generally, and tend to prevent the ability to bump-fire the firearm. Such trigger locking mechanisms may also provide a tactile signal through the user's trigger finger indicating that the firearm is empty by locking the trigger in the rearward position after the firearm fires its last round and the carrier moves and remains in a rearward position.