Canted Firearm Optics Mount Offset for Iron Sight Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tactical personnel face discomfort and reduced mobility when using firearms with vertically mounted optics, as these setups obstruct the line of sight and cause unnatural holding positions, making it difficult to maintain balance and access iron sights in case the primary optic fails.

Innovation Solution

A firearm optics mount that offsets the optic device between 5 and 30 degrees from vertical alignment above the barrel when the firearm is in a vertical position, allowing for improved ergonomics, balance, and immediate access to iron sights if the primary optic is damaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the optic device is mounted vertically above the barrel, then the optic is properly aligned with the barrel centerline, but the optic blocks the line of sight between rear and front iron sights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptic alignment with barrel centerlineVSAvoidaccess to iron sights
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mount offsets the optic device from vertical alignment above the barrel, creating an asymmetric configuration that positions the optic to the side rather than directly above. This asymmetric placement allows the shooter's eye to access both the optic and the iron sights simultaneously or alternately, resolving the blocking issue while maintaining proper alignment through the offset geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the firearm is held in vertical position with optic mounted above, then the optic is accessible, but the user experiences discomfort and poor balance due to drawn-in elbows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptic accessibilityVSAvoiduser discomfort and balance issues
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The offset mounting creates an asymmetric configuration that allows the firearm to be held at a more natural angle. By positioning the optic to the side rather than directly above, the shooter can hold the firearm with elbows more naturally positioned, improving balance and reducing discomfort while still maintaining optic accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Device complexity

If the optic is mounted directly above the barrel, then the mounting structure is simple, but the user's freedom of motion is restricted by gear and helmet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure simplicityVSAvoiduser freedom of motion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The offset mount creates an asymmetric configuration that provides lateral clearance between the optic and the user's head/gear. This side-mounted position allows greater freedom of motion for the user's head and upper body, accommodating helmets and tactical gear, while the mounting structure remains relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12169116B2Firearm optics mount
Publication Date: 2024.12.17 MCCLOY IMPLEMENT LLC
  • US12169116B2 patent drawing
  • US12169116B2 patent drawing
  • US12169116B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A firearm optics mount is configured to position an optic device on a firearm in a position offset from vertical alignment above the barrel when the firearm is in the vertical position. The canted mount includes a base, a support, and an optic mount at the end of the support. The support is configured to offset the optic between 5 and 30 degrees from vertical alignment with the barrel when the firearm is vertically positioned. The support may be configured to offset the optic between 12 and 22 degrees. The base of the mount may include a rear sight. The optic mounted to the firearm via the canted mount may be a primary or only optic of the firearm. The mount may vertically align a bullet drop feature of an optic with the centerline of the barrel when the firearm is canted to position the optic vertically above the barrel.