Firearm Light Mounting Assembly with Selector Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable light solutions for firearms lack a convenient and secure mounting system that allows for easy attachment and detachment, as well as efficient control over multiple light sources, including a secondary light element for night vision compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A portable light with a housing and mounting assembly designed for attachment to a firearm's rail, featuring a selector switch for choosing between primary and secondary light elements, and a non-contact actuation mechanism for controlling the light sources, ensuring secure mounting and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a portable light is mounted on a firearm rail, then the light provides illumination for the work area, but the mounting arrangement becomes complex and difficult to attach/detach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight illuminationVSAvoidmounting attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the rail and a housing that attaches to the bracket. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy attachment and detachment of the light unit from the firearm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting assembly is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different rail configurations. The mounting bracket includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the same assembly to be used on various firearm models and rail types, providing multi-functionality and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light elements are included in the portable light, then the lighting options and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting optionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light assembly includes multiple light elements (first and second light elements) that can be independently controlled through the switch mechanism. This dynamic control allows the user to select different lighting modes and configurations, providing versatility without requiring separate fixed devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple light elements with different functions (visible light and night vision compatible light) are merged into a single housing and controlled by a unified switch mechanism. This consolidation provides multiple lighting options in one device while managing complexity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a selector switch is added to choose between light elements, then the control over multiple light sources is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source controlVSAvoidswitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The selector switch and actuation switch functions are merged into a single integrated switching mechanism. This unified switch provides both selection of light elements and actuation of the light, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: selecting between different light elements and actuating the light output. This multi-functional switch reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate selection and activation controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the actuation switch is positioned near the trigger, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental discharge or interference with the trigger increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental discharge risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation switch is positioned in proximity to the trigger but is designed as a separate control element with distinct actuation characteristics. The switch serves as an intermediary control that allows light activation without directly interfering with the trigger mechanism, maintaining ease of operation while mitigating accidental discharge risk through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 a secure and versatile lighting system for firearms, allowing users to select and control light sources effectively, including night vision-compatible options, while maintaining a compact and secure design.

Implementation Method 1

The selector switch may be a non-contact switch comprising an actuator and a sensor in a switching compartment sealingly separated from the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-contact switching:

Implementation Method 2

a reflector for focusing light of at least one of the first and second light elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and focusing: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9927209B2Portable light with multiple light sources
Publication Date: 2018.03.27 STREAMLIGHT INC
  • US9927209B2 patent drawing
  • US9927209B2 patent drawing
  • US9927209B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A light for mounting on an implement is provided. In particular, a light configured to be releasably attached to a firearm is provided. The light includes first and second light elements. A selector switch is operable to select which of the two light elements is energized when a primary switch is actuated.