Multi-Angle Firearm Illumination Module With Secure Holster Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination modules for firearms are bulky, impractical, and unsuitable for secure storage in holsters, often requiring manual adjustment and leading to potential damage and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A firearm with an illumination module featuring a lens array with different radiation angles for enhanced illumination, automatic deactivation when stored, programmable control for light intensity, and a holster with a locking mechanism for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional illumination modules with lamps and lasers are used, then illumination function is provided, but the modules become voluminous and bulky, causing storage problems in holsters
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module is divided into multiple lenses (at least two) with different radiation angles, where each lens focuses light from the single light source to illuminate different areas. This segmentation of the illumination function across multiple optical elements allows for a more compact design while maintaining comprehensive illumination coverage, resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces different radiation angles (first and second radiation angles) for the light beams emitted by different lenses. By utilizing angular distribution of light rather than relying on a single large light source, the system achieves comprehensive illumination of the environment in three-dimensional space from a compact module, solving the volume problem while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
2Volume of moving object
If the illumination module is made compact, then storage in holster becomes feasible, but the ability to illuminate distant areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is segmented across multiple lenses with different radiation angles. Some lenses are optimized for wide-angle illumination of nearby areas, while others provide more focused beams for distant areas. This segmentation allows the compact module to simultaneously illuminate both close and distant environments, resolving the contradiction between compact size and illumination distance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lenses in the array are designed with different radiation angles to provide different illumination characteristics in different spatial regions. The first lens may provide wide-angle illumination for close surroundings, while the second lens provides narrower beams for distant areas. This local optimization of illumination quality across different spatial zones enables the compact module to fulfill both near and far illumination requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment means are included in the illumination module, then illumination can be adapted to different situations, but the module becomes more complex and prone to damage in tough environments
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination module is pre-configured with multiple lenses having different fixed radiation angles during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of optical elements with predetermined beam characteristics eliminates the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms, while still providing adaptability through the fixed angular distribution of multiple light beams. The system achieves versatility without complexity by pre-establishing the illumination configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-lens array automatically provides adapted illumination for different situations through its inherent optical design, without requiring user intervention or adjustment mechanisms. The different lenses self-adjust the illumination pattern based on the operational context through their fixed radiation angle characteristics, eliminating complex control systems while maintaining adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If the illumination module remains mounted on the firearm, then it is always ready for use, but manual deactivation is required to save energy and reduce heat when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a sensor that detects whether the illumination module is mounted on the firearm or stored in the holster, providing feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically activates or deactivates the light source, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This feedback mechanism ensures the module is ready for use when mounted while automatically conserving energy when stored, resolving the contradiction between readiness and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module automatically manages its own power state based on its mounting status. When mounted on the firearm, the sensor triggers automatic activation; when placed in the holster, it triggers automatic deactivation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual user action to control power consumption, while maintaining readiness when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy loss.
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
Improves practicality and safety by ensuring efficient illumination, reducing heat generation, and ensuring secure storage without manual intervention, while allowing flexible operation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array with at least two lenses, the lenses emitting light received from the light source when the light source is activated
Implementation Method 2
a first one of the at least two lenses of the lens array emitting a first cone-shaped light beam with a first radiation angle and a second one of the at least two lenses of the lens array emitting a second cone-shaped light beam with a second radiation angle
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
To provide a firearm (10) with an illumination module (1) and a holster (100) to accommodate a firearm (10), wherein practicality and efficiency of the firearm (10) and the holster (100) is improved while also increasing gun safety in using said firearm (10) and holster (100), wherein the illumination module (1) comprises a lens array (2) with at least two lenses (21, 22), wherein a first one of the at least two lenses (21, 22) of the lens array (2) emitting a first cone-shaped light beam (LB1) with a first radiation angle (α1) and a second one of the at least two lenses (21, 22) of the lens array (2) emitting a second cone-shaped light beam (LB2) with a second radiation angle (α2), wherein the first radiation angle (α1) of the first light beam (LB1) and the second radiation angle (α2) of the second light beam (LB2) are different and in that the holster (100) comprises a locking mechanism (110) with a locking element (120) and an actuator element (130), wherein the locking element (120) is movable between a locking position (LP), in which the firearm (10) is locked in the holster (100), and an unlocking position (UP), in which the firearm (10) may be removed from the holster (100).