Modular Illumination and Aiming Assembly with Orientation-Flexible Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon-mounted illumination and aiming systems lack intuitive and ergonomic controls, are cumbersome in size and shape, and do not provide sufficient customization or mounting options, making it difficult for users to rapidly adjust settings in response to target position and environmental conditions without altering their firing grip.
Innovation Solution
A modular, customizable, and ergonomic illumination and aiming apparatus with interchangeable components, including optical, power, and mounting units, allowing quick adjustments through magnetic switches and Hall-effect sensors, and providing a robust optical assembly with seals to protect components from environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art illumination and aiming systems are made adjustable to different distance and illumination settings, then the adaptability to different engagement scenarios is improved, but the device complexity and control intuitiveness worsen, making it difficult for users to rapidly adjust settings
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple independent modules including a housing module, optical module, power module, and mounting module. Each module can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing users to customize settings without overwhelming complexity. The segmentation enables modular adjustment of illumination intensity, aiming laser power, and mounting orientation separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates dynamically adjustable settings that can be changed in real-time during operation. Users can rapidly switch between different illumination intensities, aiming modes, and mounting orientations through intuitive controls that provide immediate feedback, enabling adaptation to changing engagement scenarios without complex reconfiguration procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If prior art systems are made adjustable with multiple settings, then the versatility for different situations is improved, but the ease of operation worsens as users must spend unnecessary time adjusting and changing settings
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides pre-configured setting profiles for common engagement scenarios (e.g., close-quarters combat, distance engagement, nighttime operations). Users can quickly switch between these pre-programmed profiles without manually adjusting each parameter, significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining versatility for different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and environmental detectors that automatically adjust illumination intensity and aiming laser parameters based on detected conditions (e.g., ambient light levels, distance to target). This self-adjusting capability reduces the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal settings for varying situations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior art illumination and aiming apparatuses are made larger to include more features and adjustment mechanisms, then the functionality and customization options are improved, but the device size and shape worsen, altering the characteristics of the user's weapon
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a nested modular architecture where smaller functional modules (optical components, electronics, power supply) are integrated within each other in a space-efficient manner. The mounting module nests within the housing module, which in turn nests the optical module, maximizing functionality while minimizing overall volume and maintaining weapon characteristics.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior art systems lack modular components, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to user's specific mission and environmental requirements worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting module is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can interface with multiple weapon platforms and mounting orientations (vertical, horizontal, angled). The standardized mounting interface maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling the apparatus to be adapted to various mission requirements and weapon systems without custom manufacturing for each application.
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 rapid and intuitive adjustment of illumination and aiming functions, maintaining accuracy and repeatability while ensuring ergonomic compatibility with various mounting orientations and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic switch may be provided in the lens cap of the optical head module to allow a user to change between visible radiation mode, invisible radiation mode, and off-state mode
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic switch may be provided in the lens cap of the optical head module to allow a user to change between visible radiation mode, invisible radiation mode, and off-state mode
Data Source
AI summary
A modular illumination and aiming apparatus, an example of which includes an optical head module, mounting module, and an end cap module. The modular illumination and aiming apparatus is configured to be quickly and intuitively adjusted by a user in response to changing target and environmental conditions. The modular illumination and aiming apparatus is configured to be ergonomically supportive such that a user may maintain a consistent firing grip while activating the illumination and aiming functions. The optical head module is configured to allow the user to change radiation types by adjusting an end cap. The alignment mechanism in the optical head module for the radiation source and optics is configured to provide a robust and zero-play optical mount in order to resist recoil and general physical shock.