Modular Handgun Sighting and Lighting System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm sighting and lighting devices are often bulky, awkward to use, and incompatible with holsters, posing difficulties in mounting and being expensive.
Innovation Solution
Development of modular illumination systems for handguns featuring interchangeable, low-profile, vertically rail-mounted modules with integrated mounting mechanisms that are concealed within the handgun body, allowing for intuitive activation and compatibility with conventional holsters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser sights and illumination devices are mounted on handguns, then targeting and illumination capabilities are enhanced, but the devices become bulky and incompatible with holsters
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into separate functional modules (sighting module, illumination module, laser module) that can be independently selected and mounted. Each module is compact and designed to fit within constrained spaces on the handgun, allowing enhanced functionality without excessive bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes the vertical dimension by providing a vertical rail mounted to the handgun body, allowing modules to be positioned in the vertical direction rather than protruding horizontally. This reduces the horizontal profile and allows compatibility with conventional holsters while maintaining functionality.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting devices are mounted on handguns, then illumination capability is improved, but the devices become awkward to use and difficult to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed with movable components including a movable mirror and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the user to dynamically adjust the beam direction and illumination angle. This provides adaptability for different shooting positions and target scenarios while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module is designed to perform multiple functions including visible light illumination, infrared illumination for night vision compatibility, and can be combined with sighting and laser modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall system and improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sighting devices are mounted on handguns, then aiming precision is improved, but the devices increase in size and become expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sighting module integrates multiple aiming functions including optical sights, laser designation, and illumination capabilities into a single compact unit. This consolidation provides enhanced aiming precision through multiple complementary functions while reducing the overall size compared to separate conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates laser-based aiming and illumination rather than purely mechanical sight systems. The laser provides precise targeting through optical alignment with the barrel, replacing bulky mechanical sighting mechanisms with more compact optical and laser-based systems that maintain or improve aiming precision.
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 modular design provides a sturdy, compact, and user-friendly solution that enhances aiming and firing capabilities while maintaining holster compatibility and reducing the likelihood of snagging, with options for visible and infrared lighting and sighting.
Implementation Method 1
one form of firearm sight makes use of a laser placed on a handgun or a rifle and aligned to emit a beam parallel to the barrel
Implementation Method 2
Most laser sights use a red or green laser diode
Implementation Method 3
Others use an infrared (IR) diode to produce a dot invisible to the naked human eye but detectable with night vision devices
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide modular illumination systems that may be used with any handgun platform, and are not specific to any make or model. Some embodiments may provide lighting, for instance visible light and/or infrared light for use in low light or dark environments. Also provided in various embodiments are aiming and/or sighting systems that may be equipped with an IR sight or a laser sight, such as a red or green laser. In various embodiments, the illumination modules may couple to the handgun via a mounting member that is integral to the handgun body, and the mounting member may be recessed or otherwise concealed and/or protected by the handgun body. Thus, in various embodiments, no portion of the mounting member (or the corresponding mounting element on the illumination module) is exposed or visible when the illumination module is coupled to the mounting member, and a conventional holster may be used.