RFID Trigger Lock By: Mike Jastrzebski

Preliminary Idea This idea would incorporate Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into a locking system for firearms. A firearm could possibly be retrofitted to accommodate some sort of locking mechanism. The mechanism would prevent the weapon from firing unless in the immediate presence of the RFID transmitter. Current technology allows the RFID transmitters to be extremely small. The transmitters are small and safe enough to be implanted into a person’s hand The picture (left) shows an x-ray of a person’s hands after the rather simple implant procedure. This particular person used his implants to access his home and car locks. The procedure is relatively painless and cost effective.

The Locking Mechanism Traditional locking mechanisms rely mostly one simple key locks. These are potentially not secure and dangerous. With RFID, the system of control would be extremely secure and controllable, only the person (or persons) with the implants could fire the weapon. The mechanism could be made in two forms: a general trigger lock and a locking mechanism incorporated into a particularly popular rifle.

The Mechanism Cont. The general trigger lock would be simply powered by a small button cell battery. The incorporated system has many possible integrated power options. One of these would be a kinetic power system, just like in the “shake” flashlights, the rifle would be shaken a few times or simply collect and store power with normal operation. The actual mechanism could use a simple solenoid to lock and unlock the firearm. These solenoids are solid and would most likely out last the life of the firearm.

Target Audience This device could be marketed to many different consumers. These include home gun owners, police officers, and the military. The system could be adapted to meet the particular needs of each and every consumer type / level.

More Military Since all military personnel would be required to be implanted, other uses can be utilized from the tags. RFID implants can store secure encrypted data. This means that conventional dog tags can be incorporated into the implant. Soldiers would be able to use there implants to quickly access certain locations. They would be able to access certain other facilities and/or equipment more effectively. And could be tracked and monitored thoroughly.

Concerns The main concern with early RFID technology was its vulnerability to remote hacking. Current RFID tags are much more secure and now have heavy encryption. The RFID system used would be very small proximity, this means no one out of touching distance of the weapon can even begin to access the information stored on the chip. Each implant is unique and can be made in “read only” models. Of course it is not impossible to access the information, however, it would require an intruder to have lots of time very close to the weapon, which practically speaking would be close to impossible in most situations. A fail safe element can also be somehow incorporated in order to assure both safety and full control for the user.

Prototyping Creating an actual prototype would be fairly simple and cost effective. Most every component would be pre-made, this includes the RFID kit, kinetic power source, and trigger lock or other locking mechanism. The locking mechanism itself may have to be designed and fabricated / machined from scratch. Total cost of a prototype is estimated between 200-300 dollars.

Prototyping Con. If need be, only the trigger mechanism could be displayed and fitted with the RFID system ( to avoided getting in trouble with the school). A mechanism can be pulled from an old rifle or pistol. A trigger mechanism can also be custom made and fitted with the RFID system. Possibly, an Airsoft toy rifle can be gutted and fit with the system.

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