Weapon-Mounted Photon Emitter for Low-Light Target Designation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current weapon-mounted illuminators are cumbersome, limited in light wavelength options, and rely on high-powered LASERs, which are restricted and inefficient, leading to ergonomic issues and complex power management in tactical scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A modular, portable, and battery-powered photon-emitting device with multiple emitters (visible and non-visible light) that can be easily adjusted and serviced, eliminating the need for high-powered LASERs, featuring a conductive metal body, tactile buttons for activation, and symmetrical layout for balanced weight and ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high-powered LASERs are used for illumination, then adequate illumination for long-range target identification is achieved, but the device becomes restricted and cumbersome with complex power management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination intensityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination device is divided into multiple independent LED emitter modules, each capable of emitting at different wavelengths. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive illumination coverage without requiring a single high-powered LASER source, thereby reducing device complexity and regulatory restrictions while maintaining adequate illumination intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple LED emitters with different wavelengths (visible and infrared) are integrated into a single device, making it universally applicable for both visible light illumination and infrared illumination scenarios. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate LASER devices, reducing overall system complexity and eliminating regulatory restrictions associated with high-powered LASERs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate illumination devices are used to provide various wavelengths, then wavelength options are increased, but the device becomes cumbersome and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength optionsVSAvoidergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple LED emitter modules with different wavelengths are merged into a single integrated illumination device. This combination provides diverse wavelength options (visible and infrared) while maintaining a compact, ergonomic form factor that does not add bulk or weight to the weapon system, unlike using multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions by incorporating emitters at different wavelengths, allowing the user to select appropriate wavelengths for various tactical scenarios. This universality eliminates the need to carry or mount multiple separate illumination devices, thereby improving ergonomics and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If visible light intensity is increased to illuminate desired objects, then visibility is improved, but the device size and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible light intensityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple LED emitters with different wavelengths including infrared. By changing the operational parameter (wavelength selection), the device can achieve effective illumination with lower visible light intensity when paired with night vision devices, or use infrared wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye but detectable by night vision equipment, thereby reducing the power and size requirements compared to high-intensity visible light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides flexible and efficient illumination and target designation across various wavelengths without adding bulk or weight to the weapon, improving ergonomics and reducing complexity, while adhering to safety regulations.

Implementation Method 1

Technologies for these emitters may include incandescent lighting (bulbs), light-emitting diodes (LED), light-emitting plasma (LEP), light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) and other similar illuminating technologies.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight amplification by stimulated emission of radiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20230024860A1Systems and methods for illuminating and designating objects through use of an advanced photon emitter

Publication Date: 2023.01.26 LIGHTHOUSE WORLDWIDE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A system, device and method are provided with a uniquely self-contained and ergonomic design for facilitating improved target illumination, particularly of objects (including targets and aimpoints for employment of weapons) in low-light conditions, through employment of a weapon-mounted photon-emitting device that houses an easily interchangeable plurality of separate photon emitters in a single package.