Spring-Isolated Rail Grabber for Weapon Optics Shock Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weapons, such as guns, generate severe shock during gunfire, which can damage devices connected to them, like optical devices, due to inadequate shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
An attenuated rail grabber is mounted between the weapon and the optical device, comprising a rigid support member and spring features that allow relative movement, reducing shock transmission by 1500 to 400 g's.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mounting structure is used to secure the optical device to the weapon, then the device is firmly attached and stable, but shock from the weapon is directly transmitted to the optical device causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shock-absorbing mounting structure as an intermediary component between the weapon and the optical device. This mounting structure includes spring elements and damping mechanisms that act as a buffer, allowing the optical device to be firmly mounted while preventing direct transmission of shock forces from the weapon to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates pre-configured shock absorption mechanisms such as spring elements and damping materials that are positioned beforehand to cushion impact forces. These elements are designed to compress and absorb shock energy before it can reach the optical device, thereby protecting the device from damage while maintaining stable mounting.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorption mechanisms are added between the weapon and optical device, then shock transmission is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shock absorption functions into an integrated mounting structure. The mounting structure merges spring elements, damping mechanisms, and securing components into a single unified assembly that accomplishes shock reduction without requiring separate, complex components. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining effective shock protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it secures the optical device to the weapon, absorbs shock forces, and maintains alignment. By making the mounting structure multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving effective shock transmission reduction.
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight compact mounting structure is used, then the overall weight is reduced and portability is improved, but shock absorption capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the mounting structure that combine lightweight properties with shock absorption capabilities. The mounting structure uses materials such as foam core constructions, composite springs, or layered composite structures that provide both low weight and high shock attenuation performance, thereby achieving both lightweight design and effective shock protection simultaneously.
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 attenuated rail grabber effectively isolates the optical device from weapon shock, maintaining functionality, durability, and boresight alignment while being lightweight and compact.
Implementation Method 1
The attenuated rail grabber includes a first spring feature coupled to the rigid support member. The first spring feature includes a fore mounting tab having a fore fastener aperture. The attenuated rail grabber also includes a second spring feature coupled to the rigid support member. The second spring feature includes an aft mounting tab having an aft fastener aperture.
Implementation Method 2
The attenuated rail grabber effectively isolates the optical device from weapon shock, maintaining functionality, durability, and boresight alignment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An attenuated rail grabber (204; 308; 400) includes a rigid support member (206; 320; 406) operable to be mounted on a weapon and support an optical device (202; 302; 404) including a first fastener receiver and a second fastener receiver. The attenuated rail grabber (204; 308; 400) includes a fastening mechanism (208; 414) coupled to the rigid support member (206; 320; 406) and operable to fasten the rigid support member (206; 320; 406) to the weapon. The attenuated rail grabber (204; 308; 400) includes a first spring feature (210; 408) coupled to the rigid support member (206; 320; 406). The first spring feature (210; 408) includes a fore mounting tab (217; 310; 409) having a fore fastener aperture (216). The attenuated rail grabber (204; 308; 400) also includes a second spring feature coupled to the rigid support member (206; 320; 406). The second spring feature includes an aft mounting tab (215; 312; 411) having an aft fastener aperture (218). The fore fastener aperture (216) is operable to receive a first fastener joined to the first fastener receiver and the aft fastener aperture (218) is operable to receive a second fastener joined to the second fastener receiver.