Weapon Accessory Powered Rail Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for providing electric power to power-consuming accessories mounted on weapons in hostile environments are inefficient due to the weight and cost of multiple batteries, and lack a simple, balanced, and reliable method for power distribution.
Innovation Solution
A Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System that uses a common power source connected via a powered rail, allowing quick mounting and dismounting of accessories without cables, and includes a battery pack, power distribution system, handguard, and powered rail for mechanical and electrical interconnection, compatible with the Picatinny Rail system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each power-consuming accessory uses its own batteries, then each accessory is self-contained and reliable, but the total weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate power sources into a single common power source that serves all accessories. The powered rail system integrates electrical contacts and power distribution into a unified structure, eliminating the need for individual batteries in each accessory and reducing total weight while maintaining power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The common power source on the powered rail serves multiple functions by providing power to different accessories simultaneously or sequentially. The rail system acts as a universal power distribution platform that can accommodate various power-consuming accessories without requiring dedicated power sources for each.
2Weight of moving object
If a common power source is used, then weight and cost are reduced, but the method of electrical connection and power delivery must be simplified and balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rail system segments the power distribution function from the accessories themselves, placing the power source and electrical contacts on the rail rather than in each accessory. This segmentation simplifies the accessories while concentrating the power distribution complexity in a single manageable location.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered rail acts as an intermediary between the common power source and the accessories. It provides the electrical connection mechanism through integrated contacts that automatically engage when accessories are mounted, simplifying the connection process while managing the complexity of power distribution.
3Ease of operation
If accessories are mounted on the powered rail, then quick connect and dismount is achieved, but the electrical connection mechanism must be reliable in hostile environments
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rail merges the mechanical mounting function with the electrical connection function into a single integrated system. When accessories are mechanically attached to the rail, electrical contacts automatically engage simultaneously, providing both quick mounting and reliable electrical connection without separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The powered rail system incorporates contact springs and resilient contacts that maintain reliable electrical connection despite environmental factors. The spring-loaded contacts provide continuous pressure and accommodate thermal expansion, vibration, and minor misalignments that occur in hostile environments, ensuring reliable connection before failures can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm may have a plurality of power-consuming accessories that can be attached to the weapon. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of their batteries, the Weapon Accessory Power Distribution System provides a common power source to power the power-consuming accessories attached to the weapon. One or more powered rails are provided to provide a point of electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories, absent the use of connectors with their tethering cables, which are susceptible to entanglement. The powered rail(s) are electrically interconnected with a power source, which typically is a battery mounted in the butt stock of the weapon.