Top-Mounted Laser Sighting Device for Single-Handed Gun Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trigger-guard mounted laser sights on guns are difficult to mount, align, and use due to the complex, three-dimensional shape of trigger guards, and positioning a laser sight below the gun barrel makes it hard to holster and operate the gun, requiring two hands.
Innovation Solution
A sighting device with a light source positioned above or alongside the gun barrel, featuring a mount that attaches to a slot on the gun's top surface, allowing for easy alignment and operation while maintaining the ability to holster the gun with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the laser sight is mounted on the trigger guard, then the laser can be attached to the weapon, but the complex three-dimensional shape of trigger guards makes mounting, aligning, and using the laser difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a slot-mounted design that replicates the standardized Picatinny rail interface concept, creating a simplified mounting platform that copies the successful flat-surface mounting approach rather than adapting to the complex trigger guard geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional trigger guard mounting to a two-dimensional flat slot interface on the top surface, reducing the dimensional complexity of the mounting surface while maintaining secure attachment capability
2Ease of manufacture
If the laser sight is positioned below the gun barrel, then the laser can be mounted on the weapon, but the gun becomes difficult or impossible to holster and requires two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional below-barrel mounting position to an above-barrel position on the top surface, reversing the location to eliminate interference with holstering and single-handed operation while maintaining laser functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If the laser sight is positioned below the gun barrel, then the laser can be mounted on the weapon, but one hand must hold the gun and another must turn the laser off and on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser control functions (power switch, mode selection) directly into the mounting slot structure on the top surface, allowing the user to operate the laser with the same hand that holds the gun, combining previously separate functions into an integrated design
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 single-handed operation of the gun with a laser sight that is easily mounted and aligned, improving usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Lasers are the preferred means of generating light beams for weapon sighting because they have comparatively high intensity and can be focused into a narrow beam with a very small divergence angle so they produce a small, bright spot on a target
Data Source
AI summary
A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a sighting light source at the rear of the that is visible to a user when turned on. The sighting light source (preferably an LED light source emitted through an opening), can be used to sight a target. Preferably, the gun with which the sighting device is used also has a first, mechanical sight at the end of the barrel distal the sighting light source. In use the user aligns the sighting light source with the first, mechanical sight in order to properly sight a target. The first, mechanical sight could also be illuminated by a light source on the device, so it can be seen when the ambient light is low.