Compact Spring Guide Rod Laser Micro-Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser sights for firearms face challenges such as requiring substantial modifications to the firearm, short battery life, and limited user control over operation modes, particularly in smaller handguns with small guide rods, due to high power demands and resistance in electrical paths.
Innovation Solution
A compact spring guide rod laser system utilizing a microcontroller and transistor to generate micro-pulses for efficient power management, allowing for continuous or pulsed laser emission with reduced battery drain, and enabling user-selectable operation modes without external mode selectors or high-capacity capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If high power is used to maintain laser operation for extended periods, then battery life is extended, but system size increases to accommodate larger batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed operation of the laser instead of continuous operation. The microcontroller generates periodic trigger signals that activate the laser in short pulses, allowing the battery to be recharged between pulses. This periodic action enables extended operational duration without requiring a large battery capacity, thus resolving the contradiction between battery life and system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser from continuous high-power operation to pulsed low-power operation. By adjusting the duty cycle and pulse width, the system achieves extended effective operation time while maintaining small battery size. The microcontroller dynamically controls the laser activation parameters to optimize between duration and power consumption.
2Ease of operation
If external mode selectors are added to provide user control over operation modes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation where the user simply presses a button on the firearm's existing trigger assembly to activate different operation modes. The microcontroller automatically detects the button press pattern and switches between continuous and pulsed modes without requiring external mode selectors or complex mechanical switches. This maintains ease of operation while minimizing additional hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing trigger assembly button is made multi-functional by programming it to serve both as a firing trigger and as a mode selection switch. The microcontroller interprets different pressing patterns (single press, double press, holding) to activate different laser operation modes. This universal use of the existing button eliminates the need for separate mode selectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining user control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If substantial modifications are made to accommodate laser sights, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to warranty concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser sight housing with the existing recoil spring guide rod assembly. The laser housing is designed to fit within the existing guide rod chamber, and the guide rod itself is used as a structural support and electrical conduit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, external housings, and additional modification points, allowing easy installation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and warranty validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sight components are nested within the existing firearm structure. The laser diode and optics are housed within a compact casing that fits inside the recoil spring guide rod chamber. The electrical connections are routed through the guide rod itself. This nesting approach allows the laser to be installed without external modifications, preserving the firearm's original appearance and structure while enabling easy installation and manufacture.
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 extends battery life, reduces system size and complexity, and provides user-friendly mode selection, maintaining performance while minimizing modifications to the firearm and maintaining the original warranty.
Implementation Method 1
a transistor having a source and a drain in series with the laser and the battery unit with the laser with the transistor having a source, and a gate that allows sufficient current to flow to the laser to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a higher level and that does not allow sufficient current to flow to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a lower level
Implementation Method 2
When the switch changes from a first state to a second state, the microcontroller enters an active mode generating a plurality of micro-pulses at the gate such that an active current is supplied that cause the laser to emit a continuous plurality of micro-pulses that when viewed by a human observer provide an apparently continuous laser pulse
Implementation Method 3
a battery unit and a transistor having a source and a drain in series with the laser and the battery unit with the laser
Implementation Method 4
a capacitor in parallel with the laser and in series with the transistor source
Data Source
AI summary
Laser systems are provided. In one aspect a laser system has a battery unit and a transistor having a source and a drain in series with the laser and the battery unit with the laser with the transistor having a source, and a gate that allows sufficient current to flow to the laser to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a higher level and that does not allow sufficient current to flow to allow the laser to emit light when a voltage at the gate is at a lower level. A microcontroller is operable in an active mode and a reduced power mode having an activation input connected to a switch, a reduced power input connected in parallel with the capacitor and an output connected to the gate. When the switch changes from a first state to a second state, the microcontroller enters an active mode generating a plurality of micro-pulses at the gate such that an active current is supplied that cause the laser to emit a continuous plurality of micro-pulses that when viewed by a human observer provide an apparently continuous laser pulse and when the microcontroller enters a power down mode, no micro-pulses are provided at the gate and a leakage current through the laser provides energy to maintain the processor in the power down mode of activation until the switch is again closed.