Hybrid Reflective Firearm Sight With Backup Iron Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflective sights for firearms are bulky, prone to damage, affect firearm mechanics, and lack a backup sighting system, making them cumbersome, less covert, and potentially causing malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid reflective and mechanical sight system with integrated light sources that reflect a targeting dot back to the user, reducing profile and weight, and allowing use as a conventional iron sight when needed, with modular design and adjustable alignment features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical sights are mounted on the firearm to improve aiming precision, then accuracy and target acquisition speed are improved, but the firearm profile increases and becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sight is divided into separate modular components: the optical tube, the mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for a compact configuration where the sight can be mounted close to the barrel without protruding excessively, reducing the overall firearm profile while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sight components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement. The mounting bracket integrates with the firearm's existing structure, and the optical tube is positioned to minimize protrusion. This nesting approach allows the sight to provide accurate aiming while keeping the firearm's external profile as compact as possible.
2Measurement precision
If optical sights are mounted on the firearm to improve aiming precision, then accuracy is improved, but the weight of the firearm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sight uses high-quality optical glass and lightweight mounting materials concentrated only at the necessary mounting locations on the firearm. The rest of the firearm retains its original lightweight construction. This localized application of quality materials provides the needed optical precision without unnecessarily increasing the overall firearm weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sight system allows for adjustable parameters including magnification levels, reticle patterns, and mounting positions. Users can select parameters that provide sufficient accuracy for their specific needs without over-engineering the system, thereby avoiding unnecessary weight. The ability to adjust parameters enables optimization between precision and weight.
3Measurement precision
If optical sights protrude from the firearm to provide accurate aiming, then aiming precision is improved, but the firearm becomes easier to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sight is mounted as close to the barrel as possible, and protective features such as reinforced mounting brackets and protective coatings are applied in advance to vulnerable areas. This preliminary positioning and protection reduces the likelihood of damage from impacts or environmental factors while maintaining the sight's protrusion necessary for accurate aiming.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective elements such as shock-absorbing mounting components and protective casings are incorporated into the sight system before it is subjected to damage. These cushioning elements absorb impact forces and protect the optical components from damage while allowing the sight to maintain its precise positioning.
4Measurement precision
If optical sights are mounted on the firearm to improve aiming precision, then accuracy is improved, but the center of gravity changes and firearm mechanics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sight is mounted asymmetrically close to the barrel, with the mounting bracket positioned to minimize disruption to the firearm's original balance. The asymmetric mounting allows the sight to be as close to the barrel as possible while controlling the shift in center of gravity, thereby maintaining firearm mechanics as much as possible.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket acts as an intermediary between the optical sight and the firearm. This bracket is designed to distribute the weight and mechanical stress of the sight system across multiple attachment points, minimizing the impact on the firearm's center of gravity and overall mechanics. The intermediary mounting structure allows precise aiming while protecting the firearm's mechanical integrity.
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
Enhances accuracy and reduces time to target alignment while maintaining firearm dynamics, improving concealability and reducing damage susceptibility, and providing a backup sighting option.
Implementation Method 1
a front sight including a reflective surface that is directly opposing the plurality of light sources, wherein the rear sight and the front sight are configured such that light emitted from the plurality of light sources is reflected by the reflective surface toward the rear sight
Data Source
AI summary
A gun sight includes a rear sight including a plurality of light sources with each of at least two light sources of the plurality of light sources emitting a different color of light than the other of the at least two light sources; and a front sight including a reflective surface that is directly opposing the plurality of light sources, wherein the rear sight and the front sight are configured such that light emitted from the plurality of light sources is reflected by the reflective surface toward the rear sight.