Universal Rail Integrated Power Connector for Firearms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing universal rails for firearms lack power and signal connection points, leading to increased weight and bulk due to separate battery packs for ancillary equipment, and require manual activation of devices with one hand, which is inconvenient in critical situations.

Innovation Solution

A universal rail with integrated power and signal connection points, featuring sealed contact pins and resilient means to ensure waterproof and dustproof connections, allowing central power and signal management for ancillary equipment, and automatic disconnection when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate battery packs are used for each ancillary equipment unit, then power supply independence is achieved, but weight and bulk of the firearm system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply independenceVSAvoidfirearm system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple separate battery packs into a single centralized power supply unit integrated into the rail system. This merging approach reduces the total weight and bulk while providing centralized power distribution to multiple ancillary equipment units through integrated contact points, resolving the contradiction between power supply independence and weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If manual activation switches are used for ancillary equipment, then device control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates in critical situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control convenienceVSAvoidautomatic activation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic activation functionality where the ancillary equipment is automatically powered on when attached to the rail system, eliminating the need for manual switch operation. The system serves itself by detecting the presence of attached equipment and automatically establishing power and control connections, thereby improving ease of operation in critical situations where manual activation would be inconvenient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If contact pins are exposed for power and signal connection, then connection accessibility is improved, but waterproofing and dustproofing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accessibilityVSAvoidwater and dust ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible sealing membranes or elastomeric materials that cover the contact pins while allowing electrical contact to pass through. These flexible shells maintain waterproof and dustproof protection while permitting electrical connectivity, thus resolving the contradiction between connection accessibility and environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Use of energy by moving object

If voltage is continuously supplied to connection points, then power availability is improved, but risk of leakage current and short circuits increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a system where voltage is supplied to the connection points only after the ancillary equipment has been properly attached and sealed in place. The sealing action occurs preliminarily before electrical contact is established, ensuring that the connection is protected from environmental factors before power is applied. This preliminary sealing action prevents leakage current and short circuits while maintaining power availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the weight and bulk of firearms by centralizing power and signal management, enabling seamless operation of ancillary devices without manual activation, enhancing usability and safety in extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more contact pins which are partly surrounded by a seal, one or more resilient means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS8769856B2Voltage-free connector integrated in a weapon rail

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 TECHNI AS

AI summary

A universal rail for a firearm has a plurality of through holes and a plurality of attachment points for ancillary equipment along a length of the universal rail, a fastener so as to be fastenable to the firearm, and a power or signal connection point arranged in at least one attachment point of the plurality of attachment points. The power or signal connection point has at least two contact pins surrounded by a seal, and a resilient portion and inner contact faces. The power or signal connection point is further connected to conductors arranged in the universal rail. The resilient portion ensures that the at least two contact pins and contact points are out of contact with each other when the ancillary equipment is not mounted on the universal rail.