Collapsible Reflective Firearm Sight with Backup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical reflective gun sights are cumbersome, prone to damage, and affect the mechanics of firearms, while lacking a backup sighting system and being easily detectable, especially in covert situations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible reflective sight system that folds into a low-profile configuration for storage and deployment, incorporating a mechanical sight for backup and integrated with the firearm's design to maintain its dynamics, with a light source that remains functional even after battery change, and is modular for field servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional optical reflective sight is mounted on a firearm, then aiming precision is improved, but the firearm becomes more cumbersome and the sight is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collapsible sight assembly that can transition between an extended operational position and a retracted storage position. The sight assembly includes a sight housing that can be collapsed along the barrel axis, transforming from a rigid protruding structure into a compact configuration that integrates with the firearm profile, thereby protecting the optical elements from damage while maintaining aiming precision when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The sight system is divided into separable components including the optical sight assembly and mechanical backup sights. The optical sight can be independently collapsed or removed, while mechanical sights remain as an integrated backup system on the firearm, allowing the optical elements to be protected without compromising the overall aiming capability
2Measurement precision
If a conventional optical reflective sight is mounted on a firearm, then aiming precision is improved, but the firearm profile is increased and concealment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible sight assembly allows the optical sight to be retracted into a low-profile configuration that maintains the original firearm outline. When collapsed, the sight housing aligns with the barrel axis and does not protrude significantly, enabling the firearm to be concealed in standard holsters and worn in body armor without creating detectable silhouettes or printing through clothing
3Productivity
If a conventional optical reflective sight is mounted on a firearm, then target acquisition speed is improved, but the firearm mechanics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sight assembly is designed as a separable module that mounts to the firearm without interfering with the slide, barrel, or other critical mechanical components. The collapsible design allows the optical elements to be positioned for optimal target acquisition speed while retracted when not in use, preventing interference with firearm operation and maintaining proper mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible mechanism prevents the sight from interfering with firearm mechanics by automatically retracting when not in use. This preliminary protective action avoids potential interference with slide movement, barrel recoil, and other mechanical operations, maintaining the stability of firearm composition
4Adaptability or versatility
If an internal reflective sight is used, then covert operation capability is improved, but the sight lacks backup functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm is equipped with both an internal reflective sight for covert operations and integrated mechanical backup sights. The mechanical sights serve multiple functions as both a backup aiming system when the optical sight is collapsed or fails, and as a secondary aiming method that does not require power sources, thereby improving reliability while maintaining covert operation capability
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 collapsible design enhances concealment, reduces the risk of damage, maintains firearm mechanics, provides a reliable aiming solution without battery failure, and allows for easy deployment and servicing, improving covert operations and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a lens attached to and able to rotate with respect to the base, wherein the lens includes a first optic with a reflective surface and the lens is folded with respect to the base for storage in a collapsed configuration and is angled with respect to the base in a deployed configuration for use in aiming the firearm; a light source on the base that reflects light off the reflective surface of the first optic to a user for aiming the firearm
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible reflective optical sight for a firearm includes a base that mounts the optical sight to the firearm, a lens attached to and rotatable with respect to the base, wherein the lens includes a first optic with a reflective surface and the lens is folded with respect to the base for storage in a collapsed configuration and is angled with respect to the base in a deployed configuration for use in aiming the firearm, a light source on the base that reflects light off the reflective surface of the first optic to a user for aiming the firearm, and a mechanical sight on the base for aiming the firearm when the lens is in the collapsed configuration.