Cantilevered Laser Pointer Mount for High-G Alignment Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laser pointing devices, such as those used in military training systems like MILES, fail to maintain precise angular positioning during and after high G shock and vibration events due to flexure and unloading errors, leading to inaccurate registration of hits and misses.

Innovation Solution

A precision pointing mechanism utilizing a conical or S-shaped cantilevered beam with a mounted payload, which provides preload force and kinematic rotation, eliminating clearances and stiction between components to maintain initial alignment under high G conditions, and adjusting for minute changes in beam orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mounting and adjustment mechanisms are used in laser pointing devices, then the device can be easily assembled and adjusted, but the laser fails to maintain precise angular positioning during high G shock and vibration events due to flexure and unloading errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintain precise angular positioning during high G shock and vibrationVSAvoidmounting and adjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic mounting mechanism that allows the laser assembly to move relative to the weapon during high G shock events. The mechanism transitions from a static rigid mounting to a dynamic adaptive mounting that absorbs shock and vibration through controlled movement, preventing flexure and unloading errors while maintaining alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and parameters of the mounting system by introducing preloaded springs and elastomeric materials that alter the stiffness and damping characteristics of the mounting mechanism. This allows the system to adapt its mechanical properties in response to varying G forces and vibration levels, maintaining precise positioning without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If clearances and tolerances are increased in the adjustment mechanism to ease manufacturing, then manufacturing becomes simpler and faster, but stiction and friction are introduced causing pointing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeliminate clearances and stictionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with preloaded spring-based systems and elastomeric mounting elements. This substitution eliminates clearances and stiction by using continuous contact surfaces and elastic deformation rather than discrete mechanical joints, achieving high manufacturing precision without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the laser assembly is rigidly mounted to maintain alignment, then alignment stability is improved, but the laser cannot withstand high G shock events without introducing pointing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewithstand high G shock eventsVSAvoidalignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by preloading springs and incorporating elastomeric materials in the mounting mechanism before shock events occur. These elements are designed to absorb and dissipate the energy from high G shocks and vibrations, protecting the laser assembly from damage and maintaining alignment stability during extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution ensures accurate and stable linear and angular positioning during and after high G shock and vibration, reducing pointing errors and maintaining alignment over a wide temperature range without introducing static friction or hysteresis, thus enhancing the accuracy of laser targeting systems.

Implementation Method 1

A precision pointing mechanism utilizing a conical or S-shaped cantilevered beam with a mounted payload, which provides preload force and kinematic rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

provides preload force and kinematic rotation, eliminating clearances and stiction between components to maintain initial alignment under high G conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinematic rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS11916352B2Pointing devices, apparatus, systems and methods for high shock environments

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 BOWMAN ORVAL E

AI summary

Devices, apparatus, systems and methods for providing accurate linear and angular positioning with a payload mounted to a beam having freely moveable ends. The payload can be a laser pointer mounted on a firearm, which maintains the initial precise pointing during and after exposure in high G shock and vibration environments. Vertical and lateral adjustment controls can adjust minute changes in beam orientation. Precision adjustments can be performed in a zero G, one G, or high G environment and maintains the adjustment during and after being exposed to a high G shock or vibration environment.