Firearm Optical Sighting System Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflex type optical sighting systems for firearms are often expensive, obtrusive, and not easily adaptable to various firearm platforms due to their large, bulky design, which restricts the integration with different firearm components and imposes design constraints.
Innovation Solution
The integration of discrete optical sighting system components directly into the firearm's body at spatially separated mounting locations, eliminating the need for a common housing and allowing for a more compact, modular design with independent mounting and power supply, enabling better adaptation to individual firearm platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a common housing is used to integrate all optical sighting components, then the sighting system is self-contained and easy to mount, but the profile becomes large and obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical sighting system into separate modular components: an illumination source module, an optical lens assembly, and a power source, each mounted at discrete locations on the firearm rather than housed together in a single common housing. This segmentation reduces the obtrusive profile while maintaining functional integration.
2Reliability
If a common housing is used to integrate all optical sighting components, then the sighting system is self-contained, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the optical components into discrete modules that can be independently manufactured and mounted, the system reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single integrated common housing unit, while maintaining the self-contained functionality through modular integration.
3Device complexity
If a common housing is used to integrate all optical sighting components, then the sighting system is complete, but adaptability to different firearm platforms decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented architecture allows each component to be independently positioned and adapted to different firearm platforms, enabling greater versatility and adaptability compared to a fixed common housing design while maintaining complete functional integration of all optical sighting elements.
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 approach results in a lower profile, more accurate, and robust sighting system that is less obtrusive, adaptable to various firearm types, and allows for easier replacement of components, while maintaining the firearm's original design and providing onboard power for other accessories.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination source, which may be a colored LED (light emitting diode), laser, or another suitable type source, projects a light beam in a forward light path/direction onto the lens of the lens assembly to produce the reticle.
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated reflex optical sighting system integrated directly into a firearm includes a lighting module comprising an illumination source mounted to a body of the firearm at a discrete first mounting location, an optical lens assembly mounted to the body of the firearm at a discrete second location spatially distanced from the first location, and a power source operably coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is configured and operable to project a reticle onto a lens of the lens assembly for use in aiming the firearm. The illumination source and lens assembly are separately mounted to and independently removable from the body of the firearm thereby providing a low profile sighting system which substantially retains the aspects of the original firearm. The illumination source, power source, and lighting control circuitry may be housed inside the metal rear sight of the firearm in one embodiment.