Firearm Integrated Power Source Mounting Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Firearms with attached powered accessories, such as lights and night vision devices, face increased weight and physical dimensions due to the need for a mounting rail and an independent power source, making them less convenient and more difficult to use.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a power source, socket, and conductor within the firearm, eliminating the need for a mounting rail and independent power source, by using a conductor assembly with fixture channels and clips to secure the conductor frame during molding, and a power source compartment to house portable power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mounting rail and independent power source are added to power accessories, then accessories can be powered, but weight and physical dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory power capabilityVSAvoidfirearm weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mounting rail, power source, and electrical conductor system into a single integrated structure. The rail serves dual purposes as both a mechanical mounting feature and an electrical power distribution system, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting rail is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for accessories, distributing electrical power to multiple accessories, and serving as a structural component of the firearm. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mounting rail and independent power source are added to power accessories, then accessories can be powered, but physical dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory power capabilityVSAvoidfirearm volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical conductor is embedded within or alongside the mounting rail structure, with power source compartments integrated into the firearm body. This nesting approach allows components to occupy shared space rather than requiring separate volume for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessories are mounted on a rail, then accessory versatility increases, but accessory changes become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory varietyVSAvoidaccessory change speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components with standardized interfaces. Each accessory connects to the rail through a standardized mounting interface and electrical connector, allowing individual accessories to be quickly attached or detached without affecting other accessories or requiring complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10088269B2Firearm with integrated power source

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 SIG SAUER INC

AI summary

A firearm is described that includes an integrated power source, socket, and conductor connecting the power source to the socket. By integrating these elements into a firearm, a powered accessory can be attached to the firearm without the need for a mounting rail attached to a firearm. Furthermore, powered accessories need not have their own integrated power sources, but rather can connect to the power source within the firearm. This reduces the weight and physical dimensions of both firearms and accessories.