Modular Junction Box Interface for Multi-Connector Weapon Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of a standard remote control connector interface for weapon accessories results in manufacturer-specific proprietary interfaces, limiting compatibility and flexibility, and increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular junction box interface that electrically couples a remote control unit to a weapon accessory device, allowing various connectors to fit into a common receptacle, providing compatibility with multiple manufacturers' keypads and reducing manufacturing costs through standardized assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer-specific proprietary interfaces are used for remote control units, then each manufacturer can control their own equipment, but compatibility with other manufacturers' equipment is lost and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where a single standardized interface can accommodate multiple manufacturers' remote control units and accessory devices. The connector is designed with multiple contacts and a standardized housing that can work with different button layouts and signal protocols from various manufacturers, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific proprietary interfaces and enabling cross-compatibility throughout the ecosystem.
2Ease of manufacture
If proprietary interfaces are used, then manufacturer control is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase due to multiple unique components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple manufacturer-specific connector designs into a single unified connector structure. By merging the essential functional elements (electrical contacts, housing, mounting features) into one standardized design, manufacturers can produce a common component that serves all accessory devices and remote control units, significantly reducing per-unit manufacturing costs through economies of scale and eliminating the need to maintain multiple unique component supply chains.
3Productivity
If multiple proprietary connectors are produced, then each manufacturer's equipment works independently, but supply chain management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connector design enables a single supply chain to support all accessory devices and remote control units from different manufacturers. Instead of maintaining separate supply chains for each proprietary connector type, manufacturers can produce the universal connector in high volumes and distribute it across multiple product lines, simplifying inventory management, reducing minimum order quantities, and improving overall supply chain responsiveness and efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
A junction box (122) for a weapon accessory device (100) is provided for electrically coupling a remote control unit (102) to the weapon accessory device, the remote control unit having one or more manually actuatable switches (116, 118, 120). The junction box comprises a housing (126) having a mounting face and a connection face, wherein the mounting face is configured to face a complementary mounting surface of the weapon accessory device when the junction box is mounted to the weapon accessory device. The connection face is configured to couple to an electrical cable (124) electrically coupled to the remote control unit. A plurality of electrical conductors are held within the housing and comprise mating contact portions disposed at the mounting face and configured to contact aligned contacts on the weapon accessory device.