Coupled Dual Switch Actuators with Lockout Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices for firearms often have ambiguous control modes, leading to potential inadvertent operation, especially in dual-acting designs, and independent switch actuators can result in unintended states.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically coupled switch actuator system with two pivoting actuators that interlock to ensure only one can be active at a time, preventing inadvertent operation and providing unambiguous control from either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two completely independent switch actuators are provided on either side of the firearm trigger guard, then fully independent control of the illumination device from either side is achieved, but the opportunity for inadvertent operation leading to an unintended state of the illumination device becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate switch actuators into a single integrated dual-acting actuator assembly. The actuator includes a body with a central axis and two actuatable ends (first end and second end) that can be operated from opposite sides of the firearm. This unified structure ensures that operation of one end automatically affects the other end through the shared mechanical linkage, preventing inadvertent simultaneous operation while maintaining independent control capability from either side.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spring-loaded plunger mechanism as an intermediary between the two actuatable ends. When one end is pressed, the plunger moves and triggers the switch circuit, while simultaneously preventing the other end from being activated. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only one end can be operated at a time, eliminating the risk of conflicting signals while preserving ambidextrous control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-acting actuator pivots around a single pivot in a see-saw manner, then two ways to activate the illumination device are provided, but the user must learn two opposite actions to accomplish the same thing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the actuator body and internal linkage mechanism. The first and second actuatable ends are positioned asymmetrically relative to the central axis, with each end having its own dedicated actuation path that converges at the switch trigger point. This asymmetric configuration ensures that both ends produce the same rotational direction and switching action, eliminating the need for users to learn opposite actions while maintaining dual-sided activation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An ambidextrous actuating mechanism configured as a mechanical interlock may be adapted to a battery operated light emitting device for mounting forward of the trigger guard of a firearm. The mechanism includes first and second mechanically coupled pivotable switch actuators disposed under and on either side of the barrel of the firearm. Operation of either one of the first and second actuator levers locks the other actuator from pivoting, thereby eliminating ambiguity and overridden operations in the control of the light emitting device. The operating motion of both actuators, either up for ON or down for MOMENTARY, is the same for both actuators. An alternate embodiment provides functionally equivalent electronically interlocked actuators.