Pivoting Weapon Anti-Cant Indicator for Aiming Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearms often suffer from canting issues, which affect the alignment of the sight with the rifle bore, leading to inaccurate aiming.
Innovation Solution
An anti-cant indicator assembly is provided, comprising a mount, a level with a bubble vial, and a pivot connection that allows the level to move between operational and stowed positions, enabling users to determine the weapon's orientation with respect to vertical.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed level indicator is mounted on the weapon, then the user can continuously monitor weapon orientation, but the indicator may interfere with the user's field of view or weapon operation
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicator is designed to pivot between an operational position where it is visible to the user and a stowed position where it does not interfere with operation. The retainer mechanism allows the indicator to be dynamically repositioned based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The level indicator is separated from the main weapon body through a pivot connection, allowing it to be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the indicator to function when needed while being movable out of the way during critical operations
2Measurement precision
If the level is always in the operational position, then orientation indication is always available, but the device complexity and potential for interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicator is extracted from a fixed mounting and given independent movement capability through the pivot connection. This allows the indicator to be taken out of the operational field when not needed, reducing complexity and interference while maintaining measurement capability when required
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pivot connection allows free movement of the level, then the indicator can be positioned flexibly, but the level may become unstable or difficult to retain in desired positions
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism provides positional feedback by engaging at specific intervals to lock the level in predetermined positions. This feedback mechanism ensures the level remains stable in operational or stowed positions while still allowing flexible repositioning when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot connection with retainer creates a dynamic system that transitions between stable locked positions and movable states. The level can be freely repositioned when needed but becomes stable when engaged by the retainer, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability
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 assembly effectively indicates when the firearm is canted, allowing users to adjust and maintain proper vertical alignment for improved aiming accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a level including a vial containing a bubble... for indicating the orientation of a weapon with respect to vertical
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-cant indicator assembly, components thereof, and associated methods. The anti-cant indicator assembly indicates the orientation of a weapon with respect to vertical. The anti-cant indicator assembly includes a mount configured to mount to the weapon, a level including a vial containing a bubble and a pivot connection connecting the level to the mount. The pivot connection is configured to permit movement of the level with respect to the mount about the pivot connection between an operational position in which the bubble can be referenced by the user for indicating orientation of the weapon with respect to vertical, and a stowed position different from the operational position. The pivot connection can include a retainer configured to releasably retain the level in at least one of the operational position or the stowed position. The level can be selectively movable with respect to the mount to calibrate the anti-cant indicator.