Bifurcated Trigger Flashlight Mount for Ambidextrous Firearm Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flashlight mounts for firearms do not facilitate ambidextrous operation and efficient actuation of push-button tailcap switches while mounted on a handguard, limiting user convenience and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flashlight mount with a bifurcated trigger mechanism that can be secured to a firearm's handguard, allowing for ambidextrous operation by actuating the push-button tailcap switch, comprising a base, a flashlight mounting ring, and a trigger mechanism with bifurcated contact members extending outwardly from the handguard for easy activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flashlight is mounted directly to the firearm using existing mounts, then the operator can use both hands to operate the weapon, but the flashlight cannot be operated ambidextrously and requires separate hand operation
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is divided into a bifurcated structure with two separate trigger members (first trigger member and second trigger member) positioned on opposite sides of the handguard. Each trigger member can be independently actuated by either hand, allowing ambidextrous operation of the flashlight while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If a push-button tailcap switch is used on the flashlight, then the flashlight can be mounted on the handguard, but the switch is difficult to actuate while maintaining firearm operation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the user's finger and the push-button tailcap switch. The first and second trigger members transmit the actuating force from either hand to the switch, making it easier to activate the flashlight while maintaining quick response time for firearm operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flashlight is positioned with the beam parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore, then the lighting aligns with the firearm axis, but the operator loses flexibility in controlling the light direction independently
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure allows the flashlight to be positioned with its beam parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore, providing aligned illumination. The trigger mechanism's bifurcated design provides operational flexibility without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the flashlight's angular position, maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of a flashlight mount are provided. The flashlight mount is configured to position a flashlight on a handguard of a firearm and includes a trigger mechanism configured to actuate a push-button tailcap switch of the flashlight. In a preferred implementation, a flashlight mount comprises: a base that can be secured to a handguard of a firearm; a flashlight mounting ring configured to releasably hold a flashlight; and a trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism comprises a bifurcated trigger configured to actuate a push-button tailcap switch of the flashlight when pressed forward. In some implementations, the bifurcated trigger comprises two contact members that extend upwardly and outwardly from a body thereof, thereby positioning each contact member on an opposite side of the handguard. In this way, the trigger mechanism of the flashlight mount is configured to facilitate ambidextrous operation of the flashlight.