Mechanical Rear Sight Alignment Guides for Fast Target Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firearm sighting systems, such as iron and red dot sights, face challenges in accuracy, size, durability, and complexity, leading to increased time and difficulty in target alignment.
Innovation Solution
An alignment guidance system featuring a rear sight with opposed vertical sidewalls and inwardly extending planar aiming reference members, combined with a front sight, enhances visibility and alignment through brightly colored or luminous materials, allowing intuitive target acquisition without the bulk of electronic optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If red dot sights are used to improve target alignment accuracy, then shooting accuracy is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential alignment function from complex electronic red dot sights, retaining only the critical reference elements (aperture and alignment marks) while eliminating electronics, batteries, and optical components. This creates a lightweight mechanical sighting system that provides sufficient alignment guidance without the weight penalty of electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced visual reference only at critical alignment points (aperture edges and alignment marks) rather than requiring a complete optical system. The alignment marks are positioned specifically at locations that provide maximum alignment guidance with minimum material.
2Ease of operation
If red dot sights are used to provide alignment reference, then target acquisition is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all electronic components, power sources, and complex optical systems from the sighting device, retaining only the essential mechanical elements (aperture frame and alignment marks) needed for target acquisition. This dramatically simplifies the system while maintaining ease of use through intuitive visual references.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment marks and aperture design provide self-aligning visual guidance that requires no power source or electronic activation. The system automatically provides alignment references through its mechanical structure, eliminating the need for batteries, switches, or electronic controls.
3Device complexity
If conventional iron sights are used to maintain simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but target alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the simple mechanical sight design by adding localized visual reference elements (alignment marks and defined aperture edges) at specific positions. These localized enhancements provide precise alignment guidance without adding overall system complexity, improving accuracy while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment marks are provided in colors contrasting with the aperture frame background, creating high-visual-contrast reference points. This color differentiation enhances the visibility and precision of alignment references while maintaining the simple mechanical structure of the sight system.
4Productivity
If ghost ring sights are used for quick aiming, then target acquisition speed is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides multiple localized alignment references within the aperture (front and rear alignment marks) that guide both quick acquisition and precise alignment. The distributed reference points enable rapid initial target identification while providing sufficient detail for precise alignment, combining the advantages of both speed and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined sight and optic sight mount securable to an upper surface of a firearm comprising: an aperture frame including: a stationary aft aperture frame; and a movable aft aperture sub-frame situated within the stationary aft aperture frame and comprising: opposed vertical sidewalls, a top wall connecting the opposed vertical sidewalls, and a pair of substantially horizontal planar aiming reference members extending inwardly from the vertical sidewalls and defining a gap therebetween.