Rotating Compound Collimator for Multi-Wavelength Firearm Lasers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser devices for firearms are limited in their ability to emit electromagnetic radiation at multiple wavelengths, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in design, particularly with the use of integrated dichroic substrates which are costly and complicated to produce.
Innovation Solution
A laser device for firearms that incorporates a laser diode capable of emitting one, two, or more wavelengths, paired with a compound collimator comprising multiple collimators that can rotate to adjust focal lengths and positions, allowing for efficient switching between wavelengths using a rotating mechanism and positioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated dichroic substrate with three different substrates is used to reflect different wavelengths, then the device can emit multiple wavelengths, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple collimators with different focal lengths into a single rotating compound collimator assembly. This allows the device to handle multiple wavelengths through one integrated rotating mechanism rather than requiring separate fixed substrates for each wavelength, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-wavelength capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating mechanism that dynamically switches between collimators with different focal lengths based on the desired wavelength. This dynamic approach replaces static multi-substrate dichroic assemblies with a movable single-substrate system, simplifying manufacturing while preserving the ability to emit multiple wavelengths
2Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated dichroic substrate with three different substrates is used to reflect different wavelengths, then the device can emit multiple wavelengths, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-handling functions into a single rotating compound collimator assembly, eliminating the need to manufacture and integrate three separate dichroic substrates. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to emit multiple wavelengths through selective rotation to different collimators
3Device complexity
If a single collimator is used for multiple wavelengths, then the device complexity is reduced, but the collimation precision for each wavelength decreases due to different focal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a rotating mechanism to dynamically position the appropriate collimator with the correct focal length for each wavelength. This ensures that each wavelength receives precise collimation from its optimized collimator, maintaining high collimation precision while using a unified rotating assembly rather than multiple fixed substrates
4Reliability
If multiple separate laser devices are used for different wavelengths, then each wavelength can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-specific collimators into a single rotating compound collimator assembly that shares a common mounting structure and rotation mechanism. This allows each collimator to be optimized for its specific wavelength while integrating them into one unified system, reducing overall complexity compared to using separate laser devices for each wavelength
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective emission of multiple wavelengths with reduced complexity, improving the accuracy and versatility of laser devices for firearms by allowing for precise collimation and switching between different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode that generates an emission of electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
a compound collimator that includes a first collimator and a second collimator, each having a different focal length
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses systems and methods of a laser device which could be used to aim firearms. The device includes a laser diode capable of emitting two or more different wavelengths of light to form a laser using a collimator, for example a single collimator or a compound collimator. In embodiments using a single collimator, the collimator can be repositioned at different distances from the laser diode to ensure proper positioning to create a laser beam for the particular wavelength of light emitted from the laser diode. In embodiments using a compound collimator, the collimator could have different collimating regions and be configured to rotate to cause the different collimating regions to receive light emitted from the laser diode such that different light wavelengths are properly collimated without needing to alter the distance from the collimator to the laser diode.