Non-Contact Optical Connections for Firearm Tactical Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearms lack an effective method for non-contact optical data transfer between accessories and the firearm, limiting communication and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of non-contact optical connections, including transmit and receive optical sub-assemblies, on tactical rails and accessories, enabling optical signal transfer and communication between firearm accessories and the firearm's communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-contact optical connections are integrated on tactical rails and accessories, then data transfer efficiency and communication capability are improved, but device complexity increases due to the integration of TOSA and ROSA assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based electrical connections with non-contact optical connections using TOSA and ROSA assemblies. This substitution enables data transfer without physical contact, improving reliability and transfer efficiency while eliminating wear and corrosion issues associated with mechanical contacts
Solution Approach 2:
The tactical rail system is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for accessories, electrical power delivery through contacts, and optical data communication through the integrated TOSA/ROSA assemblies. This multi-functionality allows a single rail structure to handle power, data, and control signals simultaneously
2Ease of operation
If non-contact optical connections are used for data transfer between accessories and firearm, then the need for physical connections is reduced, but alignment precision requirements increase to ensure sufficient optical signal transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The TOSA and ROSA assemblies are integrated directly into the tactical rail structure, allowing the rail itself to provide alignment references and mechanical guidance. When accessories are mounted to the rail using standard mounting mechanisms, the optical connections automatically align without requiring additional adjustment procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The optical connection interfaces are designed with standardized mounting positions and alignment features that ensure consistent geometric relationships between the TOSA/ROSA assemblies and accessory mounting points. This standardization creates predictable alignment conditions across different accessories and rail configurations
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
Facilitates communication and control between firearm accessories and the firearm, enhancing data transfer efficiency and reducing the need for physical connections, while allowing for networked communication among accessories.
Implementation Method 1
The TOSA is configured to convert electrical signals to optical signals and transmit the optical signals through the transmit non-contact optical connection
Implementation Method 2
The ROSA is configured to receive optical signals through the receive non-contact optical connection and convert the received optical signals to electrical signals
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A firearm 100 comprising: a tactical rail 102 including at least one non-contact optical connection 104 configured to interface with a corresponding non-contact optical connection on a firearm accessory, wherein the accessory may be mounted on the tactical rail, the non-contact optical connections on the tactical rail and the accessory align sufficiently such that optical signals can be transferred between the tactical rail and the accessory to enable communication of optical signals between accessories mounted on the tactical rail and/or between an accessory mounted to the tactical rail and the firearm itself.