Firearm Charging Handle with Integrated LED Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Police officers and gun users face challenges in illuminating their surroundings in dark conditions without compromising control of their firearm, as handheld flashlights require both hands and existing solutions often require additional mounting hardware.
Innovation Solution
A charging handle attachment with a built-in flashlight, featuring a light emitting diode (LED) illumination device, secure mounting via serrations and fasteners, and a battery compartment, allowing for continuous, pulsed, or strobe light modes, integrated into the firearm's slide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a handheld flashlight is used for illumination in dark conditions, then illumination is provided, but both hands are required to control the gun making it unmanageable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flashlight function with the charging handle by integrating the light source, battery compartment, and switch directly into the charging handle assembly. This merging eliminates the need for a separate handheld flashlight, providing illumination while keeping both hands free to control the firearm.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging handle is transformed into a multi-functional component that serves both its original purpose of operating the slide and providing illumination through the integrated flashlight. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, resolving the contradiction between needing illumination and maintaining hands-free operation.
2Illumination intensity
If a light is mounted on the weapon using existing mounting rails, then illumination is provided, but additional mounting hardware and multiple holsters are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate light module to the mounting rail, the patent merges the illumination function directly into the charging handle. This eliminates the need for additional mounting hardware, adapters, or separate holsters, reducing overall device complexity while providing the same illumination function.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging handle becomes a universal component that integrates both the charging operation and illumination functions. This multi-functionality removes the need for separate mounting systems and accessories, simplifying the overall weapon system configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical accessories are mounted on the charging handle, then versatility is improved, but secure mounting must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The charging handle is designed as a segmented structure with a body portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion includes mounting holes that accept fasteners, creating distinct mounting interfaces that can securely hold optical accessories while maintaining the structural integrity of the charging handle.
Solution Approach 2:
External serrations are provided on the charging handle surface, creating a textured, non-smooth surface that enhances grip and prevents slippage. These serrations provide friction-based secure mounting for optical accessories while maintaining versatility for different accessory types.
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
Provides powerful, hands-free illumination without the need for extra flashlights or multiple holsters, ensuring secure and tactical use by integrating the lighting functionality directly into the firearm's charging handle.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination device includes a light emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm slide accessory includes a charging handle attachment including a first member and a second member. The first and second members are formed with one or more mounting holes through which pass one or more fasteners. The first member includes an illumination device.