Weapon Light Switch Actuator for Ergonomic Thumb Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon mounted lights require operators to compromise their grip to manipulate the actuator, particularly the paddle closest to the thumb, which is not ideally positioned for efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A switch actuator with a base, offset actuator paddle, and connecting arm that allows forward urging for momentary ON and rotational urging for constant ON/OFF positions, positioned to be accessible by the thumb without removing the hand from the grip, facilitating easier operation of the weapon mounted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator paddle is positioned to straddle the trigger guard for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the grip stability deteriorates because the operator must compromise their grip
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator paddle is positioned above the base in a vertical offset, moving the control interface to a different spatial dimension. This allows the thumb to reach the paddle from above without compromising the hand's position in the grip, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and grip stability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator arm serves as an intermediary mechanism that transmits the thumb's pressing force from the offset paddle position to the switch device at the base. This mechanical linkage allows indirect actuation of the switch without requiring direct hand manipulation of the switch itself, maintaining grip stability while enabling operation
2Ease of operation
If the actuator paddle contact surface is positioned closer to the thumb for better accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into distinct functional components: the base mounted on the switch device, the offset actuator paddle positioned above for thumb access, and the actuator arm connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
By positioning the paddle above the base in the vertical dimension rather than changing horizontal positions, the design achieves better thumb accessibility while avoiding the complexity of repositioning the entire actuator assembly or modifying the switch device mounting
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are implementations of a switch actuator that can be attached to a switch device of a weapon mounted light and used, in conjunction with the switch device, to selectively actuate a light emitter of the weapon mounted light. An example switch actuator comprises: a base configured for attachment to the switch device; an actuator paddle offset from and positioned above the base; and an actuator arm connecting the actuator paddle to the base. The switch actuator is used to forwardly urge the switch device to place the switch device in a momentary ON position, and rotatably urge the switch device to place the switch device in a constant ON or OFF position.