Trigger Tower Assembly for Safe Re-Cocking Under Selector Lock

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing firearm trigger assemblies allow re-cocking only when the safety selector is in the fire position, posing safety risks and causing wear or binding issues when attempting to re-cock with the selector in the safe position.

Innovation Solution

A trigger assembly design that allows re-cocking while the safety selector is in the safe position by incorporating a separate trigger tower and lower trigger body, enabling the trigger tower to deflect during re-cocking without rotating the lower trigger body, and includes a selector switch that can be configured between safe and fire positions to prevent unintended discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the trigger assembly prevents re-cocking when the safety selector is in the safe position, then unintended discharge is prevented, but the user cannot re-cock the firearm without moving the selector to the fire position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended dischargeVSAvoidability to re-cock the firearm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger assembly is segmented into separate functional components: a trigger body, a trigger tower, and a disconnector. The trigger tower is further divided into a trigger tower hook and a trigger tower nose. This segmentation allows the trigger tower to deflect independently during re-cocking while the trigger body remains constrained by the safety selector, enabling safe re-cocking without unintended discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger tower is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deflect during hammer re-cocking while remaining constrained in the firing direction when the safety selector is in the safe position. The trigger tower hook can move to accommodate hammer rotation, while the trigger body rotation is prevented by the safety selector engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the trigger assembly allows re-cocking when the safety selector is in the safe position, then ease of operation is improved, but wear and binding issues occur on trigger components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to re-cock the firearmVSAvoidwear and binding on trigger components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the trigger tower from the trigger body, the patent isolates the wear-prone engagement surfaces. The trigger tower hook engages with the hammer sear hook in a controlled manner that prevents binding, while the trigger body remains constrained. This segmentation distributes wear across separate components rather than concentrating it on a single interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger tower acts as an intermediary component between the trigger body and the hammer. During re-cocking, the trigger tower deflects to accommodate hammer movement while preventing direct transmission of binding forces to the trigger body. This intermediary action reduces wear on both the trigger body and hammer components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the selector switch prevents trigger rotation in the safe position, then discharge is prevented, but the hammer cannot be re-cocked without triggering the safety mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety prevention mechanismVSAvoidre-cocking capability in safe position

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger tower is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing it to deflect during hammer re-cocking while remaining constrained in the firing direction when the safety selector is in the safe position. The trigger tower hook can move to accommodate hammer rotation, while the trigger body rotation is prevented by the safety selector engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger assembly is segmented into separate functional components: a trigger body, a trigger tower, and a disconnector. The trigger tower is further divided into a trigger tower hook and a trigger tower nose. This segmentation allows the trigger tower to deflect independently during re-cocking while the trigger body remains constrained by the safety selector, enabling safe re-cocking without unintended discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables safe re-cocking of the firearm with the safety selector in the safe position, preventing unintended discharge and reducing wear on trigger components, while maintaining operational functionality.

Implementation Method 1

In response to a force by a trigger tower spring, the trigger tower may be configured to rotate the trigger tower hook towards a buttstock end of the trigger assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4386305B1Trigger assembly with safety features

Publication Date: 2026.04.08 WHG PROPERTIES LLC

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AI summary

Provided are a trigger assembly, firearm, and various methods and components. An example assembly includes a lower trigger body comprising a trigger lever; a disconnector rotatable relative to the lower trigger body; a trigger tower rotatable relative to the lower trigger body and the disconnector, the trigger tower defining a trigger tower hook; and a hammer defining a hammer sear hook configured to engage the trigger tower hook to hold the hammer in a cocked position. In response to application of a force to the trigger lever, the lower trigger body may rotate and cause the trigger tower to rotate to release the trigger tower hook from the hammer sear hook.