Slide-Mounted Handgun Illumination Module Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illumination solutions for handguns, such as flashlights attached under the barrel or separate handheld devices, compromise shooting accuracy and holster compatibility, as they either enlarge the handgun or require users to hold two items, making it difficult to aim and carry the handgun effectively in dark environments.
Innovation Solution
A rear handgun illumination module integrated into the upper surface of the handgun, featuring a mounting interface, an illumination unit emitting light towards the front sight, and a power source, allowing for activation via a user-manipulable module, which is designed to be secured to the handgun's slide without enlarging its frame, enabling convenient holstering and immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is attached to the frame of the handgun under the barrel, then illumination is provided for dark environments, but the shape of the handgun changes and becomes much bigger which disables the user from carrying the handgun in a standard inside holster
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module is relocated from the traditional underside position to the upper surface of the slide, utilizing vertical space above the barrel axis. This dimensional relocation allows the flashlight to be positioned without increasing the handgun's lateral footprint, thereby maintaining compatibility with standard waistline holsters while providing necessary illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently mounted on the slide rather than being integrated into the main handgun frame. This segmentation allows the flashlight to be positioned optimally for illumination while keeping the handgun's base profile unchanged, enabling standard holster carry.
2Illumination intensity
If a regular hand flashlight is used, then illumination is provided for dark places, but the user must hold the handgun in one hand and a hand flashlight in the second hand which makes it difficult for the user to shoot accurately and limits the user's movements
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module is merged with the handgun by mounting it on the slide, creating an integrated system where the flashlight and handgun function as a single unit. This eliminates the need for the user to separately hold a flashlight, freeing both hands for shooting operations and maintaining full shooting accuracy while providing illumination.
3Measurement precision
If sights are fixed to the weapon, then aiming assistance is provided during the aiming process, but the weapon's user aims the weapons at a target
Solution Approach 1:
The slide-mounted illumination module serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for dark environments, maintains the handgun's profile for standard holster carry, and can be positioned to illuminate the front sight during aiming. This multi-functional design enhances both aiming accuracy and adaptability to various operating conditions.
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 reliable illumination for the front sight without altering the handgun's size, allowing users to carry and shoot accurately in dark conditions while maintaining standard holster compatibility, enhancing usability in immediate situations.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit configured to emit light towards a front sight of the handgun
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter discloses an illumination module for a handgun, comprising a body, a mounting interface protruding from the body, and configured to be in physical contact with the handgun slide, a sight, extending from the body, an illumination module configured to emit light towards a front sight of the handgun, a power source electrically coupled to the illumination module, an activation module coupled to the illumination module, maneuver of the activation module activates the illumination module.