Firearm Lighting Assembly Sealed Switch Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting assemblies for firearms suffer from inadequate switch operation due to the adverse influence of elastic sealing elements, leading to poor responsiveness and usability.

Innovation Solution

The lighting assembly incorporates a force transmission element embedded within the sealing element, which optimizes the transmission of force from the actuating element to the switch, minimizing the disruptive influence of the sealing element's flexibility and enhancing switch responsiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sealing element is used to seal the housing interior, then sealing performance is improved, but switch responsiveness deteriorates due to the elastic sealing element's adverse influence on force transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidswitch responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sealing element into two functional zones: a first region that allows force transmission from the actuating element to the switch, and a second region that provides sealing against the housing wall. This segmentation enables the sealing element to simultaneously provide both sealing performance and switch responsiveness without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the sealing element flexibility is high to ensure sealing, then force transmission from actuating element to switch is adversely influenced, but switching operation requires adequate force transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidforce transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the sealing element different properties: the first region has optimized thickness and material characteristics for efficient force transmission, while the second region provides sufficient flexibility and elasticity for sealing against the housing wall. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing flexibility and force transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the overlap of sealing element with force transmission path is minimized to improve switch response, then sealing coverage is reduced, but adequate sealing coverage is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch responseVSAvoidsealing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is segmented into a first region with minimal overlap for force transmission and a second region with sufficient overlap for sealing coverage. This segmentation ensures that the force transmission path remains clear and responsive while the sealing region provides adequate coverage to maintain environmental sealing of the housing interior.

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

This design improves the switch's response time and simplifies the operation of the firearm's lighting assembly, ensuring flexible adaptability to different users and easy operation.

Implementation Method 1

a force transmission element is formed, wherein the force transmission element is embedded in the sealing element, wherein the force transmission element is designed for force transmission from the actuating element to the switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce transmission: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a sealing element, which is used for sealing off the interior of the housing from the environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4357723B1Lighting assembly for a firearm and a firearm equipped with the lighting assembly
Publication Date: 2025.03.12 GLOCK TECH
  • EP4357723B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4357723B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4357723B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lighting assembly (10) for a firearm (1), the lighting assembly (10) comprising: - a housing (12) with an interior (23) for receiving electronic components, wherein the housing (12) extends in a longitudinal direction (11); - a light source (24), wherein the light source (24) is received in the interior (23) of the housing (12); - a switch (29, 30), which is used for switching the light source (24) on and off, wherein the switch (29, 30) is received in the interior (23) of the housing (12); - a sealing element (78), which is used for sealing off the interior (23) of the housing (12) from the environment, - an actuating element (31, 33), which is used for actuating the switch (29, 30). Furthermore, a force transmission element (43, 42) is formed, wherein the force transmission element (43, 42) is embedded in the sealing element (78), wherein the force transmission element (43, 42) is designed for force transmission from the actuating element (31, 33) to the switch (29, 30).