Internal Light Assembly Replacing Recoil Spring Guide Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weapon-mounted lights add bulk and weight to handguns, requiring specialized holsters and potentially interfering with other accessories, while separate handheld flashlights are cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An internally mounted LED or infrared light source that replaces the recoil spring guide rod, using a push-on or rotating switch for activation, and integrating with existing pistol components to maintain minimal weight and dimensions, allowing for optional use with external lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a weapon-mounted light is integrated into the handgun frame, then the light source becomes readily available and eliminates the need for a separate handheld flashlight, but the pistol gains added size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source with the recoil spring guide rod, merging two separate components into a single integrated assembly. The light housing is formed as part of the guide rod structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and reducing overall weight while maintaining light availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rod serves dual functions: it guides the recoil spring during operation and simultaneously houses the light source. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated light mounting structures, reducing weight and simplifying the overall design.
2Ease of operation
If a light is mounted on the accessory rail, then the light can be attached to the firearm, but the irregular shape adds bulk and requires specially designed holsters
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light into the guide rod assembly, the design maintains the pistol's original cylindrical profile and external dimensions. The light housing conforms to the existing guide rod shape, eliminating the need for special holsters and reducing bulk.
3Illumination intensity
If a separate handheld flashlight is used, then the light source is available, but it is cumbersome and requires additional handling
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is merged with the firearm's internal mechanism (recoil spring guide rod), eliminating the need for separate handheld handling. The light is activated through the existing trigger mechanism or dedicated switches integrated into the guide rod assembly.
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 a compact, weight-efficient light source that does not alter the handgun's external dimensions, enabling seamless holstering and compatibility with other accessories, with adjustable brightness and emergency features like automatic turn-off.
Implementation Method 1
This light source would preferably be an LED, or an infrared light source
Implementation Method 2
Another use for the disclosed technology device is as a punching or glass breaking tool. The end of the lens will be knurled in such a way that it can be used to punch with and still protect the lens assembly and keep the pistol in battery and ready to fire
Implementation Method 3
It could use a standard parabolic reflector, or could use a plastic cone utilizing the principle of total internal reflectance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a light assembly for placement inside a handgun, with the battery of the light assembly replacing the recoil spring guide of the handgun. The recoil spring of the handgun fits over the battery of the disclosed lighting assembly. The light provides a primary or alternative light source for the user of a handgun, and may provide white light or infrared light. The light assembly disclosed may be mounted inside a handgun without making permanent modifications to the handgun.