Integrated Weapon Power Supply for Weight Balance and Quick Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern weaponry equipped with multiple electronic devices faces inefficiencies due to individual power sources leading to bulk, weight imbalance, and complex battery management, which hinders operator effectiveness and safety.
Innovation Solution
An integrated rechargeable power supply system for weapon-mounted devices, including a buttstock with internal batteries, power distribution circuits, and a connection mechanism for easy swapping, along with power management and safety features, enabling uniform weight distribution and wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual battery sources are used for each weapon-mounted electronic device, then each device can operate independently, but the weapon system experiences increased bulk, weight imbalance, and complex battery management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual battery sources into a single integrated power supply unit that serves all weapon-mounted electronic devices. This consolidation reduces the total number of batteries needed, decreases overall weight, and eliminates weight imbalance issues while maintaining reliable power distribution to all devices through a common power architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power supply unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it powers all electronic devices (flashlights, lasers, range finders, sighting devices, combat optics, laser designators, night vision), provides weight balancing, and enables quick swapping. This universal power source replaces multiple individual battery compartments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining device independence through electrical isolation
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery compartment is installed in the existing buttstock, then power distribution is achieved, but battery swapping time increases and weight imbalance persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into a modular, self-contained battery unit that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the operator to swap the entire power unit as a single component rather than accessing and replacing individual batteries, dramatically reducing battery swapping time while maintaining adaptability to various weapon-mounted devices
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power supply unit acts as an intermediary component between the weapon platform and the electronic devices. It provides a standardized interface for power distribution, enabling quick swapping without requiring access to individual battery compartments, thus reducing swapping time while maintaining versatility across different device configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple battery inventories are maintained for different devices, then device-specific power needs are met, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal power supply unit that can serve multiple different electronic devices through standardized power distribution. This single multi-functional power source replaces the need for multiple device-specific battery inventories, reducing overall complexity while maintaining compatibility with various devices through a common power interface and distribution architecture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for devices and methods for making and using an integrated rechargeable power supply and power management system for providing power to weapon mounted electronic devices. The inventive apparatus provides for a common power source for weapon attachments, that can be integrated into a weapon. These devices and methods provide for an easy swap of the power source in an active environment, and further includes power management and safety functions. The inventive devices and methods further provide for better ergonomics and improved weight/balance to enhance shooting skills, less physically taxing heft, and potentially save lives. Finally, the present invention is backwards compatible with present weapons.