Firearm Electronic Device Segmented Power Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices for firearms are large and cumbersome, making them difficult to integrate into handguns and affecting the firearm's geometry and behavior, as they require large power supplies for effective and long-term operation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device comprising a firearm element with detection and processing means for events like shot firing, and a base element with a charging battery that recharges the power supply battery via a specialized interface port system, allowing for compact and secure power management within the firearm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a large-sized power supply battery is used to ensure effective and long-term operation, then the duration of action is improved, but the volume and weight of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation durationVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two parts: a small power supply battery integrated in the firearm element for portable operation, and a separate charging battery in the base element for recharging. This segmentation allows the firearm to remain compact while providing extended operational capability through periodic recharging at the base station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base element acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the firearm element. It contains a charging battery that wirelessly or contactlessly transfers energy to the firearm's power supply battery when docked, eliminating the need for a large integrated battery while ensuring continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a large-sized power supply battery is used to ensure effective and long-term operation, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation durationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the power supply and charging functions into different elements (firearm element and base element), the complexity of managing a large battery is transferred to the stationary base, keeping the portable firearm simple while enabling extended operation through periodic recharging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a specialized interface port system is used for recharging, then the reliability of recharging is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecharging reliabilityVSAvoidinterface port complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface port serves multiple functions: mechanical docking alignment, electrical contact for power transfer, and data communication. By merging these functions into a single integrated interface between the firearm element and base element, the system achieves reliable recharging without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface port is designed as a multi-functional universal connector that handles both power recharging and data transmission between the firearm element and base element, reducing the need for separate specialized connections and simplifying the overall interface design.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3295114B1Electronic device for a firearm
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 FABBRICA DARMI PIETRO BERETTA SPA
  • EP3295114B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295114B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3295114B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

An electronic a device (1) for a firearm (50) having a grip ( 55 ). The electronic device (1) comprises a firearm element (10) housable in a housing (550) specifically formed in the grip (55) of the firearm. The firearm element (10) comprises a power supply battery (100) and comprises a firearm interface port (150) for access to said power supply battery (100). The electronic device (1) comprises a base element (20) engageable to the grip (55), housable in a firearm base (60) that comprises a base interface port (250) suitable to be operatively connected with the firearm interface port (150). In the reciprocal engagement between the firearm element (10) and the base element (20) through the firearm interface port (150) and base interface port (250), the base element (20) is suitable to electrically recharge the power supply battery (100).