Firearm Illumination Module With Dual-Beam Lens Array and Holster Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination modules for firearms are bulky, impractical, and unsuitable for secure storage in holsters, lacking flexibility and efficiency, and often require manual adjustment and deactivation, which can lead to heat generation and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
A firearm with an illumination module featuring adjustable light beams, programmable control, and automatic deactivation, combined with a holster having a locking mechanism and communication system, enhances practicality and safety by ensuring efficient energy use, secure storage, and adaptable lighting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination modules with lamps and lasers are used, then illumination function is achieved, but the modules become voluminous and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical lamp-based illumination systems with LED (light-emitting diode) technology. This substitution dramatically reduces the physical size of the illumination module while maintaining effective illumination capability, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving illumination function and minimizing module volume.
2Illumination intensity
If larger illumination modules are used to improve illumination coverage, then illumination area is increased, but heat generation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional incandescent or halogen lamps with LED technology. LEDs are inherently more energy-efficient and generate significantly less heat compared to conventional lighting sources, thereby improving illumination coverage without the associated heat generation problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the illumination system by using LEDs that operate at lower temperatures and lower power consumption levels. This parameter change allows for extended operation without excessive heat buildup, resolving the contradiction between illumination coverage and heat generation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If holsters are adapted to accommodate illumination modules, then storage compatibility is improved, but weapon security is compromised due to poor trigger guard coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's compact LED-based illumination module reduces the overall size of the weapon assembly. This size reduction allows standard holsters to accommodate the weapon with proper trigger guard coverage and retention, eliminating the need for specially adapted holsters that compromise security.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment means are included in illumination modules, then illumination adaptability is improved, but the adjusting means can be damaged in tough environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronically controlled LED modules. The LED illumination parameters can be adjusted through electronic controls or programming, eliminating vulnerable mechanical parts that can be damaged in tough environments while maintaining illumination adaptability.
5Productivity
If illumination modules remain mounted on firearms for extended periods, then readiness is maintained, but electrical energy storage becomes depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic charging functionality where the illumination module charges its electrical energy storage device whenever the firearm is stored in the holster. This preliminary charging action ensures the module is always ready for immediate use without requiring manual intervention or disassembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining readiness and managing energy supply.
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 solution provides enhanced flexibility, safety, and efficiency by minimizing heat generation, ensuring secure storage, and allowing hands-free operation, while enabling precise lighting adjustments and integration with external devices.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination module comprises a light source (4) and a lens array (2) with at least two lenses (21, 22), wherein a first one of the at least two lenses (21) is emitting a first cone-shaped light beam (LB1) with a first radiation angle (α1) and a second one of the at least two lenses (22) is emitting a second cone-shaped light beam (LB2) with a second radiation angle (α2)
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm with an illumination module and a holster to accommodate the firearm, wherein the illumination module comprises a lens array with at least two lenses, wherein a first of the at least two lenses of the lens array emits a first cone-shaped light beam with a first radiation angle and a second of the at least two lenses of the lens array emits a second cone-shaped light beam with a second radiation angle, wherein the first radiation angle of the first light beam and the second radiation angle of the second light beam are different and in that the holster comprises a locking mechanism with a locking element and an actuator element, wherein the locking element is movable between a locking position, in which the firearm is locked in the holster, and an unlocking position, in which the firearm may be removed from the holster.