Compact Backup Sight Apertures for Stable Post and Windage Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm sights suffer from misalignment issues due to tolerance gaps, bulky detent mechanisms, and aesthetically distracting aperture designs, which affect stability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A sighting system with a front sight featuring a diamond-shaped aperture and a single detent mechanism for the elevation knob, and a rear sight with a compact aperture mechanism that tilts to center the sight post and aperture, using a windage screw for smooth adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional threaded sight posts are used with standard tolerance, then ease of manufacture is improved, but alignment stability deteriorates due to movement and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a detent mechanism that proactively locks the sight post in place before any misalignment can occur. The detent engages with a corresponding groove in the sight post, creating a positive lock that prevents movement due to vibrations or handling, thereby resolving the stability issue while maintaining manufacturing ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped aperture housing is used with 90° rotation, then aperture selection function is improved, but lateral shift and misalignment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional L-shaped aperture housing design by using a rectangular aperture housing that rotates 180° instead of 90°. This inversion allows the aperture to rotate to a horizontal position where it does not shift laterally along the threading, eliminating the misalignment issue while maintaining the aperture selection function.
3Volume of moving object
If nested apertures are used to reduce stowed size, then compactness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the aperture selection function from the support structure. The rectangular aperture housing is mounted on a separate mounting bracket that can be positioned independently, allowing the aperture to be protected from damage during stowed conditions while maintaining compactness. This segmentation prevents the aperture from being susceptible to damage while keeping the overall size reduced.
4Manufacturing precision
If spring and detent mechanism are used for windage adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring and detent mechanism into a single integrated component. The detent mechanism is combined with the windage adjustment screw assembly, eliminating the need for separate spring and detent parts. This integration maintains the adjustment precision while reducing the number of parts and overall complexity of the mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sighting system for a firearm and related methods are disclosed. The sighting system has front and rear flip-up sights, wherein the front sight comprises a flip-up portion having an aperture through which a sight post can partially extend; a knob comprising one or more notches on a first side and the sight post extending from a second side; at least one detent arranged to face and interact with the one or more notches. The knob is configured to rotate about a first axis, where the rotation causes the sight post to move in a first direction along the first axis; tilting of the knob in a second direction based on the detent interfacing with the notches; and tilting of the sight post in the second direction, thereby forcing at least a portion of the sight post to press against the aperture, or a combination thereof.