Scope Mount Electrical Connectivity Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectivity solutions for integrating multiple devices with a riflescope, such as laser rangefinders and environmental sensors, are costly and inefficient due to the need for specialized interfaces, long cables, and complex cable management, which increases the burden and cost of weapon systems.
Innovation Solution
A unitary scope mount with an integrated electrical connectivity hub that provides a data and power distribution bus, allowing for short, single cables and secure cable management, while minimizing the need for additional adapters or tools, and housing batteries and circuit boards within the mount to optimize power and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect multiple devices to a riflescope, then power requirements are reduced and interference with other devices is reduced, but specialized end connectors are required and cable length is rarely exact, requiring additional cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested cable management system where cables are routed through the Picatinny rail mounting structure itself. The cable channel is formed within the rail, allowing cables to be nested inside the mounting structure rather than externally managed, eliminating the need for separate cable management components.
Solution Approach 2:
The Picatinny rail is given a dual function: it serves both as the mechanical mounting structure for the riflescope and as a cable management channel. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate cable management systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If splitter cables are used to facilitate connectivity between multiple devices, then device integration is enabled, but cables are often longer than needed and require looping, wrapping, taping, or zip-tying to prevent snagging
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are nested within the Picatinny rail structure, which provides a built-in channel for cable routing. This eliminates the need for external cable management methods such as looping, wrapping, or zip-tying, as the rail itself contains and protects the cables along their entire length.
Solution Approach 2:
The Picatinny rail acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the electrical connectivity requirement and the cable management problem. By incorporating a cable channel into the rail design, it serves as a mediator that simultaneously enables device connectivity and simplifies cable management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integral exposed contacts are provided on mounting rails for electrical connectivity, then power and data distribution is enabled, but specialized mounts are required and all devices must be replaced or adapters used, significantly adding to system cost
Solution Approach 1:
The Picatinny rail is designed with universal electrical contacts that work with standard connectors. This allows the same rail structure to support multiple different devices without requiring specialized mounts or adapters, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring devices to have specialized interfaces, the patent inverts the approach by providing standard electrical contacts on the universal Picatinny rail. This allows standard connectors to be used with multiple devices, eliminating the need for expensive specialized mounts or adapter conversions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long cables are used to connect devices mounted at different positions on a rifle, then all mounting positions can be reached, but cable management becomes complex and snagging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is nested within the Picatinny rail structure, which extends along the length of the rifle. This allows cables to be routed through the rail to reach different mounting positions without requiring long external cables, eliminating the need for complex cable management while maintaining mounting flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An optical aiming scope mount (10) includes a base (12) configured to attach to a weapon system. At least two longitudinally spaced apart scope mounting rings (14, 16) are on the base. A first chamber (34) is formed in a portion of the base (12). A plurality of electrical connectors (38) on the base (12) are operatively joined by a circuit (46) at least partially located in the first chamber (34) to provide a power/data distribution bus.