Firearm Laser Sight with Proximity Sensor Trigger Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual activation of laser sights on firearms can be distracting and increase the risk of detection during operations where stealth is crucial, as it requires engaging an activation switch, disrupting speed and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of proximity sensors into laser sight systems that automatically activate the laser sight assembly when a user's trigger finger is detected, using a laser control unit and rechargeable battery, with adjustable sensitivity and azimuth/elevation settings for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual activation switch is used, then laser sight can be activated, but it causes distraction and interference during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor continuously monitors the trigger guard area before the actual shooting action occurs. When the trigger finger enters the trigger guard, the sensor preemptively activates the laser sight, so the laser is already on when the user needs it, eliminating any delay between finger placement and laser activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical activation switch system with an automated optical sensing system. The proximity sensor detects the trigger finger's presence and automatically triggers the laser, substituting manual mechanical activation with an automated optical-mechanical system that responds to the user's natural aiming motion.
2Ease of operation
If manual activation switch is used, then laser sight can be activated, but it increases risk of detection during stealth operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the trigger finger's presence before activating the laser. By monitoring the trigger guard area continuously and activating only when the finger is detected, the system ensures the laser remains off during all other movements, eliminating unnecessary light emissions that could reveal the operator's position during stealth operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor system is self-regulating, automatically determining when activation is appropriate based on trigger finger detection. This eliminates the need for manual switch operation, removing the risk that a manual activation might be noticed by adversaries, while the system autonomously manages the activation timing to minimize detection risk.
3Speed
If automatic activation via proximity sensor is used, then activation speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects trigger finger presence for laser activation, and can potentially detect other objects or conditions in the trigger guard area. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile detection capabilities that benefit overall system operation, not just laser activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the user's natural aiming motion (trigger finger movement) and the laser activation system. This intermediary component translates a simple mechanical motion into an automated activation signal, bridging the gap between user intent and system response while maintaining simplicity in the user's interaction.
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 seamless and swift activation of laser sights, minimizing operational disruption and enhancing accuracy by automatically engaging the laser beam upon trigger finger detection, while allowing for precise beam adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor, a laser sight assembly, and a laser control unit, such that the laser control unit can activate the laser sight assembly
Implementation Method 2
the laser control unit can activate the laser sight assembly to emit a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser sight system for installation in a firearm, includes a proximity sensor; a laser sight assembly, including a laser diode, a laser driver, and an azimuth/elevation adjuster; a laser control unit, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a laser sight controller, a proximity controller, a proximity calibrator, and a data bus; a battery; a charging circuitry; a charging/communication port; and a configuration device; such that the laser control unit activates the laser sight assembly to emit a laser beam, when the proximity sensor detects a finger inside a trigger guard of the firearm. Also disclosed is a method for using the system, including configuring a firearm, activating proximity sensor, calibrating proximity sensor, and activating laser sight.