Integrated Red Dot Sight Mount for Repeatable Zero Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm mounting systems for red dot sights require threaded fasteners and necessitate re-zeroing each time a sight is changed, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A firearm with integrated dovetail projections and a latch member that allows for easy swapping of mounting plates with sights, providing repeatable centering and eliminating the need for re-zeroing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threaded fasteners are used to mount red dot sights, then the sight can be securely attached, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and requires re-zeroing each time a sight is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a separate mounting plate that attaches to the firearm and a sight that attaches to the mounting plate. This allows the sight to be quickly swapped without removing or reinstalling the mounting plate, eliminating the need for re-zeroing the mounting interface while enabling rapid sight changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-attached to the firearm with precise alignment features (dovetail slots and projections) that establish the correct positioning. When a sight is mounted to this pre-positioned plate, the alignment is already established, eliminating the need for re-zeroing each time a sight is changed.
2Productivity
If conventional mounting plates are used, then sights can be mounted, but the process requires special tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate incorporates self-aligning features with the firearm (dovetail slots matching dovetail projections) that automatically position the plate correctly without requiring alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures. The system serves itself by built-in geometric constraints rather than requiring external tooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides the mounting interface for the sight, the attachment interface to the firearm, and the alignment reference for positioning. This integration eliminates the need for separate alignment tools and multiple installation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sights are frequently changed, then users can optimize for different firearms or situations, but each change requires time-consuming re-zeroing
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-positioned on the firearm with precise dovetail slots that establish a fixed reference frame. This preliminary positioning action ensures that any sight mounted to the plate will maintain consistent alignment, eliminating the need for re-zeroing while allowing frequent sight changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate acts as an intermediary between the firearm and the sight. It provides a stable, pre-aligned reference platform that mediates the connection, allowing the sight to be swapped without affecting the alignment relationship established by the plate's position on the firearm.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm has an upper body that receives, in a lateral direction, a mounting plate with dovetail slots. The mounting plate having a red dot sight, or other sight mounted thereto, or may be a blank mounting plate such that integrated open iron sights on the firearm may be utilized. The upper body has an integrated latch member movable in a forward rearward direction between a capture position and a release position. In embodiments, the latch member, as it captures the mounting plate, providing a repeatable left-right centering of the mounting plate with sight thereon. Two dovetail projections on the upper body providing repeatable up-down or elevation positioning as the mounting plate with sight thereon is slid onto the upper body. The latch member is U-shaped, with two catch portions. The mounting plate may have a conventional industry standardized top side interface for receiving the red dot sight.