Pivot Mount for Optical Aiming Device Zero Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical aiming devices for firearms do not allow for easy removal and reinstallation without losing zero alignment, and there is a need for a mechanism to pivot the device out of the user's line of sight without compromising its optical accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mount system that attaches to a firearm's accessory rail, allowing the optical aiming device to be pivoted between a use position and a storage position, ensuring it returns to zero within a ¼ milliradian, utilizing a base, pivot shaft, and optic adapter member with a locating pin and chamfered groove for precise alignment and a quick release clamping mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the optical aiming device is removed from the user's line of sight, then the user can eliminate the device from their field of view, but the device loses zero alignment upon reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system transitions from a static fixed-position mount to a dynamic pivotable mount that can rotate between a first position (device in line of sight) and a second position (device out of line of sight). This dynamic positioning allows the device to be easily removed from the user's field of view while maintaining the ability to return to the precise original alignment position through the pivot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot shaft and locating pin act as intermediary elements that mediate between the mount base and the optic adapter member. These components enable the pivot motion while maintaining precise alignment through the locating pin that engages with the optic adapter member, ensuring the device returns to zero within 1/4 milliradian after pivoting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical aiming device is pivoted out of the user's line of sight, then the device can be stored or removed from view, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mount system is segmented into distinct functional components: a mount base that attaches to the firearm, a pivot shaft that enables rotation, and an optic adapter member that holds the device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall design relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a simple pivot mechanism that adds dynamic positioning capability without significant complexity. The pivot shaft and locating pin create a straightforward rotational joint that allows the optic adapter member to move between positions while maintaining structural integrity and alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical aiming device is frequently pivoted in and out of view, then the user can adapt to different shooting scenarios, but the device may drift from zero alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The locating pin engages with the optic adapter member to provide mechanical feedback that ensures the device returns to the correct zero position after pivoting. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability by physically constraining the device to its precise alignment position, ensuring consistency across multiple in-and-out movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex electronic or adjustable mechanical alignment systems with a simple geometric constraint system using the locating pin and pivot shaft. This substitution provides reliable zero alignment through pure mechanical geometry, ensuring the device returns to within 1/4 milliradian of zero after each pivot cycle.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments of a pivot mount for an optical aiming device. The pivot mount can be attached to an accessory rail, such as a MIL-STD-1913 rail, extending along the top of a receiver or handguard of a firearm. The pivot mount allows an attached optical aiming device to be pivoted between a use position and a storage position. The pivot mount is configured to ensure that the optical aiming device returns to zero, within a ¼ milliradian in some implementations, after being pivoted between the use position and the storage position.