Rail-Mounted Deterrent Device Grip Activation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deterrent device accessories face challenges in automatically activating electronic systems without distracting the user, particularly when the device is mounted on a rail system far from the gripping surface.
Innovation Solution
A grip activation system that includes an infrared emitter and receiver, integrated into a rail-mounted accessory, which detects the presence of a user's hand through reflected infrared light, allowing for non-contact activation of the accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch is placed on the grip to activate the electronic system, then the activation mechanism is simple and reliable, but the user experiences distraction when applying pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure switch system with an optical detection system using infrared emitters and receivers. The hand presence is detected through optical means rather than mechanical pressure, eliminating the distraction of applying pressure while maintaining reliable activation. The controller activates the electronic system based on optical detection of hand presence near the grip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic system is mounted on a rail system far from the grip, then the accessory positioning is flexible, but the activation detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the optical detection field from the grip area along the longitudinal axis of the deterrent device toward the rail-mounted accessory. By creating an extended sensing zone that spans the distance between grip and accessory, the system maintains detection capability despite the spatial separation enabled by rail mounting flexibility.
3Reliability
If the electronic system remains active continuously, then the system is ready for immediate use, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing instead of continuous operation. The controller periodically activates the infrared emitters and receivers to detect hand presence, rather than maintaining continuous optical monitoring. This periodic detection approach keeps the system ready for activation while significantly reducing battery consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 system enables automatic activation of the accessory without requiring the user to apply pressure, reducing distraction and improving usability, while also conserving battery life through efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared emitter and receiver, integrated into a rail-mounted accessory, which detects the presence of a user's hand through reflected infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
A kit includes a deterrent device, a grip activation system, and a housing supporting the grip activation system. The housing positions the grip activation system so that a sensing space of the grip activation system extends at least partly adjacent to a trigger guard of the deterrent device. The grip activation system includes an emitter configured to emit first electromagnetic radiation having a first wavelength; a detector configured to detect second electromagnetic radiation having the first wavelength; and a controller. The controller determines, based at least in part on the second electromagnetic radiation, that an object is present in the sensing space; and provides an activation signal to an activatable system in response to determining that the object is present in the sensing space. The activatable system can include a light source. Some examples include a housing, a grip activation system, and an activatable system.