Inductive Power Rail for Firearm Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm accessories require multiple batteries for power, leading to the need for frequent replacements and potential issues with corrosion and electrical shorting due to exposed contacts.
Innovation Solution
An inductively powering rail system using primary and secondary U-cores to transmit power wirelessly to accessories, eliminating the need for batteries and exposed electrical contacts, and allowing for multiple power sources including internal, external, and auxiliary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries are used to power accessories, then accessories can be powered independently, but multiple batteries must be carried and replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The firearm contains an inductive power source that wirelessly transmits power to accessories through electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for physical battery installation and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power system serves multiple functions: it can power different types of accessories (lights, scopes, lasers) simultaneously, manage power distribution across multiple devices, and provide both charging and operational power. The system can detect accessory power needs and automatically adjust power distribution.
2Reliability
If exposed electrical contacts are used for power transmission, then power can be transmitted to accessories, but corrosion and electrical shorting occur due to exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces exposed electrical contacts with an inductive power transmission system that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly through the rail interface, eliminating exposed electrical contacts that are susceptible to corrosion and shorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power system uses an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power between the firearm and accessories without direct electrical contact. This intermediate field transmission method protects against environmental factors that cause corrosion and electrical failures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple batteries are carried for accessory power, then accessories can be powered, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source into the firearm itself, combining the functions of power generation, storage, and distribution in a single integrated system. The firearm's inductive power source can simultaneously power multiple accessories without requiring separate battery management for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive power system includes feedback mechanisms that detect accessory power requirements and automatically adjust power transmission levels. The system monitors accessory power consumption and dynamically optimizes power distribution, reducing the complexity of manual power management.
4Reliability
If exposed electrical contacts are used, then power transmission is achieved, but durability against shock and vibration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical contact system with an inductive power transmission system that uses electromagnetic fields. This eliminates fragile exposed contacts that are vulnerable to damage from shock and vibration, providing more durable power transmission.
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
Enables reliable and efficient power distribution to various firearm accessories without the need for batteries, reducing maintenance and improving durability against shock and vibration.
Implementation Method 1
An inductively powering rail system using primary and secondary U-cores to transmit power wirelessly to accessories
Data Source
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AI summary
The firearm comprises a master CPU (76) connected to a powering rail (14), to a microcontroller (98) of a side rail (94, 96) permitting the master CPU (76) to determine at least one of the information data of the group comprising: when an accessory has been connected, when it is disconnected; an accessory power level; GPS feedback; power level of the system; data sent to external data transfer module (84) and displayed to the user; current power level; the use of an accessory power source and accessory identification transferred between accessories; indication of the range to a target communicated to an accessory (42).