Adjustable Laser Sighting Ring for Shotgun Projectile Spread Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser sights for firearms that discharge multiple projectiles, such as shotguns, lack feedback on projectile impact patterns and have adjustable illuminated sighting rings that do not account for different ammunition configurations, limiting their effectiveness in tactical and defensive situations, especially in low-light environments.
Innovation Solution
A sighting apparatus that projects a ring-shaped laser sighting reference adjustable in size based on ammunition configuration and distance, providing feedback on projectile spread, and includes a central dot for slug ammunition, using a laser light emitting unit with a cone angle adjuster to optimize beam size and shape for accurate targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single dot laser sight is used, then target acquisition speed is improved, but feedback on projectile impact pattern is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a dot laser sight (for fast target acquisition) and a ring laser sight (for impact pattern feedback) into a single device. The system can project either a dot pattern or a ring pattern, or both simultaneously, allowing the shooter to benefit from both the speed of dot acquisition and the informational feedback of ring patterns that indicate projectile spread and impact location.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed-size illuminated sighting ring is used, then target acquisition is simplified, but adaptability to different ammunition configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable ring size mechanism that allows the illuminated sighting ring to be dynamically adjusted in diameter. This enables the ring size to be adapted to different ammunition types (e.g., shot sizes, slug configurations) and different engagement distances, providing accurate impact pattern feedback for each specific configuration while maintaining the simplicity of ring-based target acquisition.
3Measurement precision
If gun-mounted alignable sights are used, then precision aiming is improved, but target acquisition speed in tactical situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignable sight system (requiring manual elevation and windage adjustments) with an optical laser projection system. The laser sight projects illuminated patterns (dot or ring) that automatically indicate the impact zone based on pre-calibrated angles, eliminating the need for manual sight adjustments and enabling rapid target acquisition while maintaining aiming precision through optical alignment.
4Illumination intensity
If laser sights are used in dark environments, then visibility of aimpoint is improved, but feedback on projectile spread is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-visibility dot aimpoint function with the informative ring pattern function in a single laser sight system. The illuminated ring pattern provides visible feedback on projectile spread and impact location in dark environments, while the central dot provides a precise aimpoint reference, allowing shooters to simultaneously see both the target center and the expected impact pattern distribution.
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 shooters to accurately aim shotguns in low-light conditions by providing a visual indication of projectile patterns and range, enhancing targeting precision without relying on gun-mounted alignable sights, and accommodating various ammunition configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light emitting unit configured for outputting a beam of light having a generally round shape
Data Source
AI summary
A weapon system comprises a firearm configured for discharging ammunition having multiple projectiles and a sighting apparatus integral with the firearm. The sighting apparatus outputs a beam of light having a generally round shape. The sighting apparatus is oriented such that a centerline longitudinal axis of a barrel of the firearm extends through the beam of light. The sighting apparatus includes a light beam size selector for allowing a cross-sectional size of the beam of light at a fixed reference location external to the sighting apparatus to be selectively adjusted by a shooter of the firearm to a plurality of different cross-sectional sizes.