Handgun U-Shaped Sight Augmentation and Ergonomic Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact handguns face issues with protruding gun sights that can snag on clothing or holsters, confuse users, especially novices, and are prone to misalignment, while their ergonomic design often lacks a defined space for the pinky finger, leading to discomfort and accidental magazine ejection.
Innovation Solution
An improved handgun design featuring a gunsight-augmentation member that transforms into a U-shaped channel to reduce snagging and includes a fiber-optic rod for alignment assistance, combined with an ergonomically enhanced pistol-grip member that secures the pinky finger and prevents magazine disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protruding gunsights are used for aiming, then aiming function is provided, but the gunsights can snag on clothing or holsters when drawing the firearm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing traditional protruding gunsights with a curved or contoured sight profile that follows the contour of the firearm. This curved design eliminates sharp edges and protrusions that cause snagging, while maintaining the sight's visibility and alignment function. The curved surface allows the sight to blend smoothly with the firearm's outline, preventing interference with clothing and holsters during drawing.
2Measurement precision
If traditional protruding gunsights are used, then aiming is possible, but they can cover or obstruct the intended target and confuse novice users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar sights to a three-dimensional channel or tunnel structure. This channel provides depth and dimensionality, creating a natural alignment corridor that guides the shooter's eye along a precise path to the target. The three-dimensional structure inherently defines the aiming line, eliminating confusion about sight alignment while maintaining precision target acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable protruding gunsights are used, then alignment can be customized, but they are prone to getting knocked out of alignment if the firearm is dropped or bumped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism with the sight structure itself, integrating the adjustment capability into the unified channel design. Rather than having separate adjustable components that can become loose or misaligned, the adjustment features are built into the monolithic or tightly-integrated channel structure, making the sight more resistant to displacement from impacts or drops while retaining adjustability.
4Weight of moving object
If compact handgun design is used for self-defense, then reduced weight and size are achieved, but the handgrips lack an ergonomically well-defined place for the pinky finger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a specific ergonomic feature (pinky finger recess or channel) only at the critical location where the pinky finger contacts the grip, rather than redesigning the entire handgun. This localized modification provides the necessary ergonomic support and control without significantly increasing the overall weight or bulk of the compact firearm, maintaining portability while improving handling comfort.
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 enhances target alignment clarity, reduces snagging, improves ergonomic comfort, and prevents accidental magazine loss, making the handgun easier to handle and aim, especially for compact designs.
Implementation Method 1
the gunsight-augmentation member also incorporates a channel that receives a fiber-optic rod, wherein one end of the fiber-optic rod is visible from the rear-end of the gunsight-augmentation member via a short tunnel leading to the end of the fiber-optic rod, and wherein the gunsight-augmentation member has one or more light-gathering openings along the length of the gunsight-augmentation member
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive disclosures pertain to an improved handgun (and related retrofit/after-market kits) that incorporates an improved gunsight and ergonomically enhanced pistol-grip member. In embodiments, an elongated gunsight-augmentation member is adapted to be inserted between a handgun's existing rear and front gunsights such that the gunsight has been basically transformed into a barrel-length U-shaped channel that makes it clear to a user how to line-up a target, while ensuring that the entire length of the device has a smooth shape and edges to significantly reduce snagging when drawing the firearm. The gunsight-augmentation member can also incorporate an internal fiber-optic rod as a visual aid to line-up a firearm. In variations, the improved handgun incorporates an ergonomically enhanced finger-receiving member disposed at the bottom surface of the pistol-grip and/or magazine that is especially useful for compact handgun designs.