Dual-Source Footpath Illumination Rail Mount for Firearms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators need a system to illuminate areas beyond the bore of a weapon without having to lower the weapon or point it in unsafe directions, as existing weapon-mounted lights only illuminate ahead and not below or to the sides.

Innovation Solution

A rail-mountable light with adjustable light elements that can be activated by buttons, emitting visible and infrared light, mounted on a firearm's accessory rail below the bore, allowing illumination of a footpath while keeping the weapon's bore aligned with the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a weapon-mounted light is positioned to illuminate ahead of the bore, then the target area is illuminated, but the operator cannot illuminate areas below or to the sides without lowering or repositioning the weapon

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination coverageVSAvoidweapon positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The light device is divided into multiple independent light sources positioned at different orientations: a forward-facing light source for illuminating ahead of the bore, and a downward-facing light source for illuminating the operator's path. This segmentation allows each light source to serve a specific illumination purpose without requiring weapon repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a vertical dimension to the illumination capability by positioning light sources in multiple spatial dimensions (forward, downward, and at angles). This multi-dimensional light arrangement enables comprehensive area coverage without changing the horizontal weapon orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If the weapon is lowered to illuminate the operator's path, then the footpath is illuminated, but the weapon's aim is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootpath illuminationVSAvoidweapon aim

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination function is segmented from the weapon's aiming function by providing dedicated downward-facing light sources that illuminate the footpath independently of the weapon's forward-pointing orientation. This allows simultaneous maintenance of accurate aim and adequate footpath illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single light source is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot provide both forward illumination and downward illumination simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional illuminationVSAvoidlight source configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light sources with different orientations (forward-facing and downward-facing) are merged into a single integrated device that mounts to the weapon. This combination provides both forward illumination and downward illumination capabilities within one unified system, balancing versatility with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Illumination intensity

If the light is mounted above the bore, then forward illumination is achieved, but downward illumination of the footpath is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforward area illuminationVSAvoidillumination direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination system is segmented into multiple light sources positioned at different locations and orientations: forward-facing lights mounted above the bore for forward illumination, and downward-facing lights positioned to direct light toward the operator's path. This segmentation enables simultaneous forward and downward illumination capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables safe and efficient illumination of the operator's path without losing the weapon's aim, providing both visible and infrared light options for tactical situations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one light element... capable of emitting light in plurality of spectra... emit at least visible light and infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS11703309B1Footpath illumination rail mount low profile dual source

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 BLOUNT TERRY

AI summary

An accessory rail mountable light includes an accessory rail interface configured to selectively attach to an accessory rail of a firearm, the accessory rail being aligned with the bore of the firearm, at least one light activating button, and at least one light element. The at least one light activating button is reachable by an operator for selectively illuminating the at least one light element and the at least one light element illuminates an area in front and below the firearm when the firearm is pointed forward from an operator.