Foldable Iron Sight Assembly with Spring-Locked Rail Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing iron sights are not durable, stable, or secure enough for combat and rough handling conditions, leading to potential deviations in projectile trajectory due to improper adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A foldable iron sight assembly with a rail mount, clamp, and locking mechanism that includes a rotatable sight member and a biasing element, allowing for precise adjustment and secure mounting on a firearm, enabling reliable use in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iron sights are made adjustable for elevation and windage, then aiming precision is improved, but the sights become less stable and secure under impact conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sight assembly incorporates a foldable design where the sight member can rotate between an upright firing position and a lowered storage position. The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded detent system that dynamically locks the sight in the upright position during firing, then releases to allow folding. This dynamic capability provides precision when needed while protecting the sight during transport and rough handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight assembly is divided into separate components: a base member that mounts to the firearm, a sight member that contains the adjustment mechanisms, and a locking mechanism with spring-loaded detent. This segmentation allows the sight member to be folded away from potential impact zones while maintaining full adjustment capability when deployed.
2Reliability
If iron sights are made foldable for protection, then durability under rough handling is improved, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs a spring-loaded detent system that automatically engages and disengages based on the sight's position. When the sight member is in the upright position, the spring forces the detent into a locking groove, securing the sight. When folded down, the detent automatically releases. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for manual locking operations, reducing complexity while ensuring reliable engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sight member is made rotatable between locked positions, then adaptability for different firing positions is improved, but the stability during rotation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sight member is designed to be dynamically positioned - locked firmly in the upright firing position during use, then rotatable to a lowered position for storage. The spring-loaded locking mechanism provides positive engagement in the locked position, ensuring stability during firing, while allowing controlled rotation when the lock is disengaged.
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 foldable iron sight assembly provides a durable, stable, and precise aiming solution that maintains precise adjustments, ensuring accurate projectile trajectory even under impact or rough handling conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism including an axle and a biasing element, wherein the sight member is rotatable between a locked raised position and a locked lowered position when a force applied to the sight member compresses the biasing element
Implementation Method 2
the base locking portion and the sight member locking portion are configured to interlock with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a foldable iron sight assembly for a firearm that includes a rail mount including a base, a clamp, a rail pin, and a base locking portion; a windage or elevation sight member that includes a sight member locking portion rotatably connected to the base locking portion, wherein the base locking portion and the sight member locking portion are configured to interlock with each other; and a locking mechanism that includes an axle and a biasing element, wherein the sight member is rotatable between a locked raised position and a locked lowered position when a force applied to the sight member compresses the biasing element. Also disclosed is a firearm having a rail to which the assembly is secured, and a method of operating the assembly.