Firearm Optical Warner with Dual Divergence Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices for firearms, intended for illumination or target tracing, often use high-intensity laser beams that can cause eye and skin damage, raising concerns about compliance with regulations and requiring manual intervention, which distracts the user and limits operational effectiveness across varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optical warner unit with a digitally manipulable input system and a temperature-stabilized laser diode that emits a beam of light in either narrow or wide divergence modes, with optional pulsing, allowing safe and efficient operation without removing the user's hand from the firearm, and capable of functioning across a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-intensity laser beams are used for illumination, then the illumination effectiveness is improved, but the risk of eye and skin damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically switches between two distinct operational modes (narrow divergence and wide divergence) based on user input. The wide divergence mode spreads the laser beam over a larger area to provide safe illumination, while the narrow divergence mode concentrates the beam for target tracing. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to adapt its intensity distribution to different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between illumination effectiveness and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the divergence parameter of the laser beam to resolve the contradiction. In wide divergence mode, the beam spreads out to reduce intensity at any single point, making it safe for illumination. In narrow divergence mode, the beam remains concentrated for accurate target tracing. By varying this physical parameter, the system achieves both effective illumination and target tracing while managing the risk of damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is required to switch between operation modes, then the device functionality is improved, but the user's attention is distracted and operational effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides self-service through digitally manipulable input means that allow the user to switch between modes with simple input. The system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting the beam divergence based on the selected mode without requiring complex manual intervention. This maintains versatility while minimizing the attention required from the user during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing laser technology is used, then the device can be manufactured with current capabilities, but the operating temperature range is limited to a narrow band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature stabilization technology to maintain the laser diode's operating temperature within an optimal range despite varying environmental conditions. This allows the device to function reliably across a wide temperature range while using commercially available laser diode technology. The stabilization system compensates for environmental variations, enabling the device to meet military environmental requirements without requiring exotic or difficult-to-manufacture components.
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 optical warner unit provides a safe and efficient means to emit light in two divergence modes, reducing the risk of eye damage and allowing one-handed operation, enhancing user readiness and safety while maintaining compliance with safety standards and military requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the light source may be a laser light source. The laser light source may be a laser diode.
Implementation Method 2
The optical unit may include a collimating lens, focused by a focusing lens, incident on a beam expanding/redirecting mirror, and reflected by the beam expanding/redirecting mirror towards a beam expanding lens
Data Source
AI summary
A warning unit for attachment to a handheld firearm comprises an attachment device for attachment to a firearm, a light source, and a digitally manipulable input device operable to enable selection of a mode of operation. The warning unit is capable of being operated in at least a narrow divergence mode, and a wide divergence mode wherein, in the narrow divergence mode, the warning unit is operable to emit a beam of light of a lower divergence than in the wide divergence mode.