Dual Laser Aiming System for Simultaneous Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser sights for firearms are difficult to calibrate, especially infrared laser sights, which require special night vision gear and cannot be calibrated in daylight, and they often render firearms incompatible with holsters and disrupt shooting procedures due to awkward activation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A dual laser aiming system integrated into a handgun grip, featuring a single housing for both visible and infrared lasers, allowing simultaneous calibration for windage and elevation, with a master switch and activation switch for easy toggling between light conditions and seamless integration with shooting techniques, ensuring compatibility with holsters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an infrared laser diode is used for night vision applications, then the laser can be detected with night vision devices, but the laser cannot be calibrated in daylight and requires special infrared vision gear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both a visible red laser diode and an infrared laser diode into a single laser sight assembly. This allows the user to calibrate the sight using the visible red laser in daylight conditions, and then the infrared laser inherits the same calibration, enabling night vision capability without separate calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible red laser diode serves as a preliminary calibration tool that establishes the alignment before the infrared laser is used. By performing the calibration action in advance with the visible laser, the system eliminates the need for complex nighttime calibration procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual red/infrared laser sight is used, then both visible and night vision applications are supported, but the sight must be calibrated twice: once for red laser and a second time for infrared laser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration functions for both red and infrared lasers into a single calibration procedure. By positioning both laser diodes and their respective collimating lenses such that they share common alignment references (aperture, baffle, target plate), the system achieves dual-wavelength capability with single calibration, eliminating time loss.
3Reliability
If a laser sight is mounted on the firearm, then targeting is enhanced, but the firearm becomes incompatible with a holster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the laser sight assembly within the existing firearm structure, specifically mounting it on the pistol grip in a nested configuration. The laser assembly is positioned to utilize the firearm's existing mechanical features (trigger guard, grip contours) as mounting references, allowing the sight to be contained within the overall firearm envelope without preventing holster insertion.
4Ease of operation
If a traditional laser sight activation mechanism is used, then the laser can be activated, but grip changes are required that interfere with quick and effective shooting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a grip-actuated activation mechanism where the laser sight is automatically activated or deactivated based on the user's natural gripping motion. The activation switch is positioned and configured so that normal grip engagement or disengagement triggers the laser state change, eliminating the need for separate activation actions that would slow down shooting procedures.
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 provides a tactical advantage by enabling easy calibration and use in various lighting conditions without disrupting shooting procedures, offering compatibility with holsters and improved ergonomics, reliability, and durability.
Implementation Method 1
Lasers have been used in many firearms applications as tools to enhance targeting. For example, one form of firearm sight makes use of a laser placed on a handgun or a rifle and aligned to emit a beam parallel to the barrel. Since a laser beam by definition has low divergence, the laser light appears as a small spot even at long distances.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to the field of firearms, and, more specifically, to laser sights for firearms, particularly laser sights having multiple laser diodes. Various embodiments of the disclosed systems may include two or more lasers in a single unit, and may not only be relatively less expensive relative to units with two separate lasers and housings, but they may also be easier to calibrate and use. For example, in various embodiments, the system may include two or more lasers that may be adjusted for windage and elevation (e.g., calibrated) simultaneously. Thus, in various embodiments, one or more infrared diodes may be calibrated automatically when a corresponding visible light diode is calibrated, and vice versa.