Firearm Sight Lock and Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable firearm sights require additional machining and dexterity for operation, and the separate lock mechanism can be difficult to engage and maintain contact with, especially in adverse conditions such as wearing gloves or in wet environments.
Innovation Solution
A configurable firearm sight with a coaxial plunger and bias element that allows selective engagement in different orientations, featuring a slotted crown and polygonal head for locking, and a coil spring for automatic deployment, enabling easy transition between upright and down positions without the need for additional space or complex manual dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate lock mechanism is used distal from the pivot axle, then the sight can be securely locked in position, but additional area is required on the sights and additional machining is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pivot axle and lock mechanism into a single integrated component. The pivot axle itself includes locking surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces on the sight body, eliminating the need for a separate distal lock mechanism. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies machining requirements, and maintains secure locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axle serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the rotation axis for the sight, provides the locking mechanism through its surfaces, and eliminates the need for separate locking components. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the lock is distal from the pivot axle, then the sight can be locked, but extra dexterity is required to engage and maintain contact with the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pivot axle design allows the locking action to occur automatically as part of the sight's deployment and stowing motions. The user's natural manipulation of the sight during these movements automatically engages or disengages the locking surfaces, eliminating the need for separate locking actions that require extra dexterity.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the lock with the pivot axle, the locking action becomes inherent to the sight's movement rather than a separate operation. The user interacts with a single component (the pivot axle) that simultaneously controls both the position and locking of the sight, improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock releases and the sight moves, then the sight can transition positions, but the user's digit can lose contact with the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the lock mechanism into the pivot axle creates a unified structure where the locking surfaces are positioned such that user contact is maintained throughout the transition. The geometry of the integrated design ensures that as the sight moves between positions, the user's digit remains engaged with the pivot axle structure that provides both movement control and locking.
4Device complexity
If additional machining is performed to ensure components fit, then the lock and pivot axle can be integrated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While the integration of the lock and pivot axle simplifies the overall structure and reduces part count, the patent acknowledges that precise machining is still required to ensure the locking surfaces and pivot surfaces fit together properly. However, this machining is concentrated on a single integrated component rather than multiple separate parts, potentially simplifying the manufacturing process despite the precision requirements.
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 reliable, low-profile sight configuration that is easy to operate, reduces snagging, and maintains secure alignment with minimal user effort, even in challenging conditions, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring can be configured to automatically deploy the sight element from the down position to the upright position
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable sight for a firearm is provided including a plunger that is coaxially disposed within a bore of a sight element and a bias element that biases the sight element to an upright position, where the plunger selectively interlocks in the bore in different orientations to secure the sight in different positions, such as an upright position or a down position. The plunger can be slidably locked and unlocked relative to the sight element on a longitudinal axis, and the sight element can be rotated about the same axis. The sight element bore can be defined by a sleeve fixedly mounted in the sight element, and that sleeve can include a slotted crown that selectively engages the plunger depending on the position of the sight element to lock the sight element in position. A related method is provided.