LED Firearm Sight Circuit for Low-Light Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sighting systems for firearms are inefficient in low-light conditions and may require radioactive materials, which are restricted or difficult to commercialize, and do not provide adequate visibility for rapid target alignment in life-threatening situations.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated sighting system using LED lights with a low current circuit to minimize power consumption, integrated with a housing and power source, providing minimal illumination that is visible in dark conditions and adjustable for different lighting scenarios, including motion-activated and light-sensitive activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If radioactive gas tubes (tritium) are used to illuminate sight points, then visibility in poor lighting conditions is improved, but the illumination is relatively weak in bright light conditions and radioactive materials require extensive regulatory procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive decay mechanism (nuclear physics) with an LED-based illumination system controlled by electronic circuits. This substitution eliminates the need for radioactive materials and associated regulatory procedures while maintaining the ability to provide illuminated sight points for target acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variable current control to adjust LED illumination intensity based on ambient lighting conditions. By changing the electrical parameter (current) supplied to the LED, the system can provide appropriate illumination levels - brighter in dark conditions and dimmer or off in bright conditions - thereby achieving adaptability across different environments without radioactive materials.
2Illumination intensity
If LED lights are powered with full forward current to provide bright illumination, then visibility is improved, but power source life is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic current control where the LED illumination intensity automatically adjusts based on ambient light levels detected by a light sensor. In dark conditions, the LED receives higher current for bright illumination; in bright conditions, the current is reduced or the LED turns off. This dynamic adjustment maintains visibility when needed while preserving battery life during extended periods of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or on-demand LED activation rather than continuous full-power operation. The control circuit periodically assesses ambient lighting conditions and activates the LED only when darkness is detected, or activates it intermittently based on motion detection or user input. This periodic action pattern significantly extends battery life while ensuring illumination is available when required for aiming.
3Loss of time
If conventional sights are used without illumination, then power consumption is minimal, but alignment speed is slow and visibility in poor lighting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic light sensing and motion detection capabilities. The sight system autonomously determines when illumination is needed by sensing ambient light levels or detecting motion, and automatically activates the LED without requiring manual user intervention. This self-service approach minimizes power consumption by keeping the LED off during normal conditions while ensuring rapid illumination activation when needed for quick target acquisition in dark or low-light environments.
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 system enhances visibility and alignment speed in low-light conditions without using radioactive materials, providing extended battery life and adjustable illumination levels for improved firearm targeting accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
An LED (light emitting diode) light
Data Source
AI summary
A sighting system for use with firearms, including an LED light, a power source for powering the LED light, a circuit that receives current from the power source and provides current to the LED light, wherein the current provided to the LED light is lower than 1% of a minimum forward current listed for the LED light by the LED light manufacturer and responsive to the current the LED light provides light that is visible at least in a dark environment, a housing for encasing the LED light, power source and circuit to act as an independent unit; wherein the housing is designed to be retrofit entirely on top of the firearm, so that in dim light a user is guided by light from the LED light to align the firearm toward a target.