Low Profile Folding Firearm Sights With Spring-Loaded Pivot Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm sight mechanisms face challenges in design, including size, robustness, functionality, ease of assembly, and installation, particularly for compact, adjustable, and durable backup sights that can be easily integrated with firearms.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-profile folding front and rear firearm sights featuring a spring-loaded pivot pin, linking pin, and bushing with locking and detent slots, allowing for adjustable positions and easy deployment/folding, along with a compact design that minimizes bulk and interference with primary sights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional firearm sight mechanisms are used, then functionality and adjustability are achieved, but size and profile height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sight arm is nested within the base structure when folded, with the pivot mechanism integrated into the base. The linking pin connects the folded arm to the base through a compact arrangement, allowing the sight to occupy minimal space while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight mechanism transitions between folded and deployed states through a pivot joint with spring-loaded retention. The arm can dynamically change position between compact storage and functional deployment, with detent slots providing stable positioning in each state while maintaining adjustability.
2Volume of moving object
If folding mechanism is added for compactness, then profile is reduced, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism is segmented into discrete functional elements: a pivot pin for rotation, a spring-loaded retention system for latching, and detent slots for positioning. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down the folding function into manageable, well-defined components rather than a monolithic complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pivot pin automatically engages with the detent slots to lock the arm in position, and the spring automatically releases to allow folding when needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable folding functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-permanent bushing attachment is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but connection strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing is pre-configured with detent slots and the pivot mechanism is pre-designed to engage these slots. This preliminary configuration allows for tool-free assembly where the pivot pin automatically finds and locks into the correct position, while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the spring-loaded engagement with the detent slots.
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 compact, adjustable, and durable sight system that is easy to assemble and install, offering enhanced flexibility and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and dust, while maintaining a low profile to avoid interference with primary sights.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pivot pin forces the linking pin into the at least one bushing slot when the arm is in one of a deployed and folded position
Implementation Method 2
a ball detent located at least partially in the base, the ball detent configured to horizontally align the arm relative to the base
Implementation Method 3
a ball detent located at least partially in the arm, the ball detent configured to apply pressure to the sight
Data Source
AI summary
Low profile folding front and rear firearm sights are disclosed. The firearm sights can be assemblies including a base, an arm, and a sight attached to the arm. The sight assemblies can also include a spring-loaded pivot pin configured to pivotally couple the arm to the base. The sight assemblies can also include a linking pin connecting the pivot and the arm. The linking pin may be inserted into the pivot pin, such that a longitudinal axis of the linking pin intersects a rotational axis of the pivot pin. The sight assemblies can also include a bushing that includes one or more slots (e.g., locking slots and/or detent slots) and is non-permanently attached to the base. The spring-loaded pivot pin can force the linking pin into the at least one bushing slot when the arm is in a deployed and/or folded (stowed) position.