Weapon Boresight Insert for Precision Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional boresighting processes for weapon systems are cumbersome, require multiple people, and involve complex equipment with mechanical, electrical, and optical components, making them time-consuming and difficult to set up and tear down in the field.
Innovation Solution
A boresight insert with a mechanical coupler comprising first, second, and third shells, and multiple wedges, which can be partially inserted into a weapon barrel to secure and disengage, featuring an optics section for generating light to identify a projectile's impact point, allowing for lightweight, single-person operation and easy alignment of the aiming system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional boresighting equipment is used, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the equipment becomes heavy and cumbersome requiring multiple people to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The boresighting device is divided into two main segments: a handheld boresighter unit that fits into the barrel and a separate display unit. This segmentation allows the alignment functionality to be separated from heavy equipment, enabling single-person operation while maintaining alignment precision through the optical-mechanical coupling of the segmented components.
Solution Approach 2:
The display functionality is extracted from the traditional integrated boresighting equipment and placed in a separate portable display unit. This extraction removes the need for heavy computational and processing equipment at the barrel end, significantly reducing the weight that needs to be carried and handled during field operations.
2Measurement precision
If conventional boresighting equipment is used, then alignment can be performed, but considerable time is required to install, use, orient, calibrate, and tear down
Solution Approach 1:
The boresighter is pre-calibrated during manufacturing with precision mechanical features that ensure automatic alignment when inserted into the barrel. The optical axis is pre-aligned with the barrel axis through precision machining of the insertion interface, eliminating the need for time-consuming field calibration and orientation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically performs alignment functions through its mechanical coupling system. When the boresighter is inserted into the barrel, the mechanical features automatically orient the optical components with the barrel axis, and the system self-calibrates through the mechanical connection, requiring minimal user intervention and reducing setup time.
3Measurement precision
If conventional boresighting equipment is used, then alignment can be achieved, but installation is complex with mechanical, electrical, and optical components requiring setup
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling, optical alignment, and electronic display functions are merged into an integrated system where the mechanical insertion action simultaneously accomplishes mechanical mounting, optical alignment, and electronic connection. This merging reduces the number of separate setup steps required while maintaining alignment accuracy through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with a simplified mechanical insertion system. The boresighter uses precision-machined mechanical features that automatically align the optical components when inserted, replacing the need for complex mechanical adjustment systems while maintaining alignment accuracy through the precision of the mechanical coupling.
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 boresight insert provides a lightweight, easy-to-use solution for aligning the aiming system with the firing system, reducing the need for heavy equipment and multiple personnel, while ensuring precise alignment with six degrees of freedom restriction, facilitating faster and more efficient boresighting in the field.
Implementation Method 1
an optics section configured to generate light that identifies an impact point for a projectile from the weapon
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical section is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel to secure the boresight insert in place
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A system includes a boresight insert (100) configured to be partially inserted into a barrel (200) of a weapon. The boresight insert includes an optics section (105) configured to generate light that identifies an impact point for a projectile from the weapon. The boresight insert includes a mechanical section (110) coupled to the optics section. The mechanical section is configured to engage an inner surface (325) of the barrel to secure the boresight insert in place and to disengage the inner surface of the barrel to allow insertion and removal of the boresight insert.