Firearm Tactile Biofeedback Reference Feature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sports equipment handles and contact interfaces have not evolved significantly, neglecting the potential for improved performance through tactile biofeedback, which could enhance athletes' ability to consistently hit, throw, or shoot projectiles with accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sports equipment handle with a tactile structure, including tactile reference indentations or projections, is designed to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory, providing biofeedback to improve grip and accuracy by defining specific dimensions and configurations that align with the user's natural hand placement and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sports equipment handles are used without tactile features, then the device complexity remains low, but the measurement precision of the user's grip and spatial awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tactile reference features utilize the user's own sensory systems (proprioception, tactile sensation) to provide feedback without requiring external power sources, electronic components, or complex mechanisms. The handle structure itself serves the dual purpose of structural support and tactile feedback delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the handle surface by introducing geometric features (protrusions, recesses, ridges, grooves) with specific dimensions and configurations that align with the user's hand anatomy and grip patterns, transforming a simple handle into an information-rich interface
2Manufacturing precision
If tactile reference features are added to the handle, then the user's accuracy and consistency in shooting improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for tactile features (protrusion height, recess depth, ridge spacing) that balance manufacturing feasibility with performance. These parameters are designed to be achievable through conventional machining and molding processes while providing sufficient tactile differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The tactile reference features are applied locally at specific locations on the handle where the user's fingers naturally contact during gripping. This localized approach concentrates manufacturing precision requirements only where needed rather than requiring uniform precision across the entire handle
3Ease of operation
If the handle design focuses on visual aesthetics and material properties, then the product appeal improves, but the tactile biofeedback capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tactile variations at specific local regions of the handle surface (fingertip contact zones, palm contact areas) while maintaining smooth, aesthetically pleasing overall handle contours. The tactile features are integrated into the existing handle geometry rather than compromising the overall shape
Solution Approach 2:
The handle surface is segmented into distinct tactile zones with different geometric features (protrusions for fingertips, recesses for palm contact, ridges for lateral grip) that provide differentiated feedback while collectively forming a cohesive aesthetic design
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm that provides a user with tactile biofeedback. The firearm includes a tactile reference feature that extends longitudinally along an exterior body surface and is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve a user's accuracy.