Gun Barrel Camera Mount with Shock Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera systems fail to effectively capture and record images during gun discharges due to shock and vibration, and lack alignment with the shooting device's aim point, which affects accuracy and data reliability in hunting, target shooting, and law enforcement applications.

Innovation Solution

A camera mounting system that absorbs shock and vibration using multiple layers of shock-absorbing materials and a load transfer system, combined with a programming utility that allows alignment of the camera's aim point with the shooting device's aim point, enabling the selection of reticules and camera settings tailored to specific shooting scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a camera is mounted directly on a gun barrel to capture shooting images, then the camera can record the shooting process, but the shock and vibration from gun discharge will damage the camera and affect image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera survival under shock and vibrationVSAvoidshock and vibration from gun discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating shock-absorbing materials (such as foam rubber or elastomeric dampers) between the camera housing and the gun barrel mounting interface. These cushioning elements are pre-installed in the mounting system to absorb and dissipate the shock and vibration forces generated during gun discharge, protecting the camera from damage and maintaining image quality without requiring active intervention during shooting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the camera is rigidly mounted to ensure stable image capture, then image stability is improved, but the camera cannot withstand the repeated shock and vibration from multiple discharges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera position stabilityVSAvoidcamera durability under repeated discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining rigid mounting components (such as aluminum or steel mounting brackets) with flexible shock-absorbing materials (such as foam rubber, elastomers, or viscoelastic dampers). The rigid portions provide structural support and position stability for the camera, while the flexible composite materials absorb shock and vibration forces, allowing the camera to remain stable during shooting while withstanding repeated discharge impacts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the camera mounting system is simplified for ease of installation, then ease of operation is improved, but the system cannot provide adequate shock absorption and alignment precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera installation simplicityVSAvoidcamera alignment precision with aim point
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional camera mounting system that integrates multiple capabilities into a single unified structure. The mounting system simultaneously provides: (1) mechanical attachment and positioning functions, (2) shock absorption and vibration damping functions, (3) alignment reference features (such as integrated alignment marks or laser alignment guides), and (4) adjustable positioning mechanisms. This universal design allows users to achieve precise alignment and adequate shock absorption without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly procedures, thereby maintaining ease of installation while meeting precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system ensures reliable image capture and alignment, reducing errors and enhancing data accuracy by mitigating recoil impacts and allowing users to customize settings for various shooting environments and devices, including guns and bows.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting system absorbs much of the shock and vibration of the gun discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The shock and vibration of gun discharges is further reduced and mitigated by the load transfer system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS9546846B2Video camera gun barrel mounting system
Publication Date: 2017.01.17 STEWART DAVID A
  • US9546846B2 patent drawing
  • US9546846B2 patent drawing
  • US9546846B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shock absorbing mount on a gun using a camera system for training a shooter. The mount includes a mounting bracket with an upper portion having an opening defined therein for firmly mechanically attaching to at least one barrel of a gun and a lower portion for firm mechanically attaching to a tube assembly. The tube assembly is adapted to slidably mount carriage assembly of a camera therein. The tube assembly includes a first end with a first captive cap holding a lens window directed toward a gun front sight when mounted on the gun, the first end including a load transfer ring positioned between the first captive cap and a carriage assembly body of the camera. A programming system is also disclosed to translate a relative position of the generated reticule overlay relative to a generated graticule overlay using the offset previously stored.