Trigger Guard Laser Sight with Underlying Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser gunsight systems require significant modifications to firearms, are not easily operable in the firing position, and often have fragile or insecure connections, making them impractical for quick and accurate aiming under poor lighting conditions, especially for military and police users.

Innovation Solution

A laser sighting system integrated into the trigger guard of a firearm with a one-piece molded plastic frame, featuring a body with an elongated extension that underlies the lower portion of the trigger guard, a secure switch activation mechanism, and electronic components, allowing for secure and intuitive operation without modifying the firearm or disrupting its internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a laser gunsight system is mounted on a firearm using existing designs, then the laser can illuminate the point of aim, but the firearm requires significant modification including wire routing through the frame and mounting modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser beam illuminationVSAvoidfirearm modification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser gunsight system is divided into separate functional components: the laser assembly mounted on the trigger guard, the power supply integrated into the grip, and the switch mechanism positioned for finger actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and installed with minimal firearm modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger guard serves as an intermediary mounting structure that connects the laser assembly to the firearm without requiring frame modifications. The power supply in the grip acts as an intermediary energy source, eliminating the need for external battery packs or complex wiring through the firearm frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the power supply is located in the grip with wires running through the frame, then the laser can be powered, but the wires and switch mounting require firearm modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply integrationVSAvoidfirearm assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The grip structure itself serves dual purposes: it houses the power supply and provides the mounting structure for the switch mechanism. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and complex wiring harnesses that would require firearm modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the switch is positioned at the back underside of the trigger guard, then the laser can be actuated, but the connection becomes fragile and operation is not intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch actuation easeVSAvoidconnection security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The switch mechanism is pre-positioned in a location that is naturally accessible to the trigger finger, eliminating the need for awkward hand positioning or complex actuation sequences. The switch is integrated into the trigger guard structure beforehand, ensuring secure connections before the firearm is assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If the laser mounting requires modification of the front of the trigger guard, then the laser can be securely mounted, but the firearm structure must be altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser mounting securityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger guard is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the trigger, provides structural support for the firearm, and serves as a mounting platform for the laser assembly and switch mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 accurate and intuitive laser aiming without modifying the firearm, ensuring secure alignment with the gun barrel and minimizing disruption to the user's grip, thus providing reliable targeting in low-light conditions without the need for professional installation or complex assembly.

Implementation Method 1

a battery-powered laser is used, the laser having been adjusted to illuminate the point of aim of the firearm. When the laser is turned on by the user of the firearm, it shines light in the direction the bullet will travel when the firearm is fired.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8256154B2Laser gunsight system for a firearm trigger guard
Publication Date: 2012.09.04 CRIMSON TRACE CORP
  • US8256154B2 patent drawing
  • US8256154B2 patent drawing
  • US8256154B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a sighting device for a firearm having a trigger guard, a frame with an underside portion forward of the trigger guard, and a handgrip with a front strap. The sighting device has a body having a first portion including an illumination device. The body defines an engagement feature operable term the bubbly connectivity for portion of the trigger guard. The body has an elongated extension portion that extends from the first portion. The extension portion is shaped to underlie a lower portion of the trigger guard from the first portion to the front strap. The extension portion has a free end including a switch, and the extension portion includes a conductor operably connecting the switch to the illumination device.