Tritium Fiber Iron Sight Replaceable Light Transmission Rod

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic sighting devices for firearms have a limited lifespan due to damage, requiring replacement when the fiber optic component becomes compromised, leading to inferior performance in low-light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A self-illuminated sight device with a replaceable light transmission rod and an artificial light source, such as a tritium or LED, where the light transmission rod is secured within a housing by a removable retainer, allowing for easy access and replacement, enhancing durability and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fiber optic components are used in sighting devices, then light transmission capability is improved, but device lifespan deteriorates due to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sighting device is divided into separable components: a housing containing an artificial light source and a replaceable fiber optic rod. When the fiber optic rod becomes damaged, only that rod needs to be replaced rather than the entire sighting device, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving light transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic rod is designed as a disposable component that can be replaced when damaged. The retainer allows for easy removal and replacement of the rod, enabling users to discard damaged rods and install new ones, thus extending the overall lifespan of the sighting device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If fiber optic components are made replaceable, then device lifespan is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice lifespanVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into modular components with standardized interfaces. The retainer provides a simple mechanical connection system using basic threading or snap-fit mechanisms, adding minimal complexity while enabling easy replacement of the fiber optic rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer serves multiple functions: securing the fiber optic rod in place, providing a removal mechanism for replacement, and potentially serving as an aiming reference through its aperture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

3Illumination intensity

If an artificial light source is added to provide illumination, then low-light performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-light performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The artificial light source is integrated into the housing that also contains the fiber optic rod assembly. The light source, fiber optic rod, and retainer are combined in a single compact unit, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: protecting internal components, providing structural support, containing the artificial light source, and facilitating the replacement mechanism through the retainer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

The solution extends the lifespan of the sighting device by enabling the user to replace the light transmission rod, providing reliable aiming references in both daylight and low-light conditions, and allowing for customization of colors or coatings for varying environments.

Implementation Method 1

The light transmission rod is configured to collect and transmit both an ambient light and a light from the tritium light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

A self-illuminated sight device with a replaceable light transmission rod and an artificial light source, such as a tritium or LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS11340041B2Tritium fiber iron sight
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 TRIJICON INC
  • US11340041B2 patent drawing
  • US11340041B2 patent drawing
  • US11340041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sight for a firearm includes a housing, a tritium light source, a light transmission rod, and a retainer. The housing is configured to be mounted to a firearm. The tritium light source is supported within the housing. The light transmission rod is disposed in a cavity of the housing and positioned adjacent the tritium light source. The light transmission rod is configured to collect and transmit both an ambient light and a light from the tritium light source. The retainer is removably engaged with the housing and fixes the light transmission rod within the cavity. Removal of the retainer provides access for replacement of the light transmission rod.