Firearm Aiming Apparatus Using Intersecting Light Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm aiming apparatuses with single laser dot generators are inherently inaccurate throughout the entire target zone due to offset mounting, leading to reduced accuracy when switching between target distances.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple visible or invisible light generators with shaping optics, optic coatings, and etchings to project intersecting planes or curved lines of light aligned with the firearm's muzzle axis, creating a more accurate aiming system by approximating the projectile's trajectory path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single laser dot generator is mounted offset from the firearm's barrel axis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision (accuracy) deteriorates throughout the entire target zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single laser dot generator into multiple light generators (typically two or more) that project separate beams. Each beam is independently aligned with the firearm's barrel axis, eliminating the offset mounting problem. The multiple beams work together to create a comprehensive aiming solution that covers the entire target zone with high precision.
2Device complexity
If a single laser dot generator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when switching between different target distances
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the aiming function into multiple light generators, each beam can be independently aligned with the barrel axis. This segmentation ensures that regardless of the target distance, at least one beam will provide accurate aiming information, thereby improving reliability across varying target distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple light generators serve multiple functions: they provide aiming information for close-range targets, mid-range targets, and long-range targets simultaneously. This multi-functionality ensures the aiming apparatus remains reliable across the entire spectrum of target distances without requiring adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If the laser dot is mounted at the top of the firearm, then the ease of operation is improved for certain mounting orientations, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates for all other orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple light generators are configured to provide accurate aiming information regardless of the firearm's orientation or the user's hand position. Whether the firearm is held in a standard grip, reversed grip, or at various angles, the multiple beams ensure that at least one beam remains aligned with the barrel axis, providing consistent accuracy across all operational orientations.
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
This solution provides high accuracy throughout the entire target zone by aligning the intersection of light with both the muzzle exit point and predicted impact point, improving accuracy at the ends of the projectile's flight path and reducing inaccuracy at the center, thus enhancing the overall targeting system's precision.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the light generators is operable to project a beam of light in a forward direction
Implementation Method 2
The aiming apparatus includes a plurality of shaping optics oriented with the beams of light in a non-parallel relationship
Data Source
AI summary
An aiming apparatus for a firearm has a frame, a plurality of visible and/or invisible light generators connected to the frame, with each light generator operable to propagate planar and/or non-planar light in the forward direction. Each light generator utilizes shaping optics to create straight or curved lines of light. Straight lines of light propagating in a forward direction will create a plane of light, while curved lines of light propagating in a forward direction will create non-planar light. A plurality of planar light oriented in a non-parallel, overlapping relationship creates a straight intersection line of light, while a plurality of non-planar light orientated in a non-parallel, overlapping relationship creates a straight or curved intersection line of light. When projected against a target surface, a plurality of planar lights creates a projected cross shape, which may have an intersection point.