Self-Stabilizing Small Arm Using Servo Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aiming and stabilization systems for projectile weapons, such as hand-held firearms, face challenges in accurately stabilizing the barrel during user movement, leading to inconsistent aiming and increased difficulty in maintaining a steady shot.
Innovation Solution
A self-stabilizing system incorporating servo motors, inertial measurement units, and digital filters that sense and counteract involuntary movements, using proportional-derivative control algorithms and flexible actuator mechanisms to maintain barrel stability independently of the user's grip movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional aiming systems are used without stabilization, then the device complexity is low, but the aiming accuracy deteriorates due to involuntary movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical stabilization with an automated electromechanical system. Servo motors are integrated into the firearm's stock and grip assemblies to actively counteract involuntary movements. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) detect motion in real-time, and control algorithms process this data to drive the servo motors, which mechanically adjust the barrel orientation to compensate for user movement, thereby maintaining aiming accuracy without requiring manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism. Inertial measurement units continuously monitor the firearm's motion and orientation. This data is fed into control algorithms that calculate the necessary corrections. The servo motors then execute these corrections by adjusting the barrel position. The system constantly monitors and adjusts, creating a feedback loop that maintains steady aim despite user movement, directly addressing the aiming accuracy challenge.
2Measurement precision
If stabilization systems with servo motors and sensors are implemented, then aiming accuracy is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system is divided into modular components distributed throughout the firearm structure. Servo motors are integrated into the stock and grip assemblies rather than adding a single heavy stabilization unit. This segmentation allows the weight to be distributed across multiple lightweight components, reducing the overall weight increase while maintaining stabilization functionality across different firearm configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple firearm types and configurations. The servo motors and sensors are integrated into modular assemblies that can be adapted to different firearm platforms. This multi-functionality allows the same basic stabilization architecture to serve various firearm types without requiring duplicate heavy components for each configuration, thereby limiting weight increase while maintaining aiming accuracy across diverse applications.
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
Enhances aiming accuracy by minimizing involuntary movements, allowing shooters to maintain a steady aim with reduced effort, thereby improving shot consistency and accuracy across various firearm configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A self-stabilizing system incorporating servo motors, inertial measurement units, and digital filters that sense and counteract involuntary movements
Implementation Method 2
A self-stabilizing system incorporating servo motors, inertial measurement units, and digital filters that sense and counteract involuntary movements
Implementation Method 3
A self-stabilizing system incorporating servo motors, inertial measurement units, and digital filters that sense and counteract involuntary movements
Implementation Method 4
using proportional-derivative control algorithms and flexible actuator mechanisms to maintain barrel stability independently of the user's grip movements
Data Source
AI summary
A self-stabilizing small arm having a barrel assembly rigidly connected to a stock assembly. The small arm includes at least one shooter interface surface and a stabilization assembly controlling the relative position of the shooter interface surface and the barrel assembly or stock assembly. The stabilization assembly includes (i) at least one movement sensor; (ii) at least one actuator; and (iii) a controller using signals from the movement sensor to operate the actuator in order to compensate for unintended movement of the small arm.