Weapon Rail Battery Adapter for Seamless Pack Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon accessory devices require improved battery mounting systems to meet increasing power demands, and existing battery adapters do not efficiently manage power distribution and battery swapping for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A detachable battery pack adapter with hinged interface members and electronic circuitry for coupling and switching between battery packs, featuring power switching circuitry and capacitors to ensure continuous power supply during transitions, and a locking mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single battery pack is used to power weapon accessory devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the duration of action is limited by the single battery's capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The battery mounting system is divided into a adapter assembly that interfaces with the weapon's rail system and multiple detachable battery packs. This segmentation allows multiple battery packs to be used simultaneously or sequentially, extending operation duration while keeping each individual battery pack simple and replaceable
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple battery packs are mounted simultaneously to extend power capacity, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack interface members are designed with hinged coupling that allows dynamic switching between different battery packs. The system can adaptively change which battery pack is actively powering the accessories, enabling extended operation through sequential battery use rather than requiring complex simultaneous multi-battery management
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly provides multiple functions: it serves as a mounting interface for battery packs, a switching mechanism for selecting between batteries, and a power distribution system to the accessories. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall complexity
3Ease of operation
If battery packs are designed for easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of continuous power supply may worsen due to potential power interruption during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining readiness to switch between battery packs before power interruption occurs. The interface members are pre-positioned and the electrical connections are designed to allow seamless transition, ensuring that power continuity is maintained during battery replacement operations
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure battery packs in place, then the reliability of battery retention is improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a cam-based mechanical advantage system where a small rotational motion of the interface member produces a large clamping force on the battery pack. This substitution of a simple cam mechanism for a complex multi-component locking system maintains secure retention while minimizing the effort and complexity required for attachment and detachment operations
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 adapter enables efficient power management and seamless battery swapping without interrupting power supply to accessory devices, supporting high-power operations and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic circuitry comprises one or more capacitors configured to storing electrical energy and configured to act as one or both of a temporary power supply for preventing power interruption when the third electrical connector is switched from the first electrical connector to the second electrical connector or vice versa, and a temporary power supply for preventing power interruption when one or both of the first and second external battery packs are removed and/or replaced with a another like external battery pack
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack adapter and method for mounting battery pack to a weapon are provided. The battery pack adapter is detachable coupled to a powered rail system of a weapon such as a rifle or other firearm, the battery pack adapter for powering one or more weapon accessory devices on the powered rail system. In preferred embodiments, the battery pack adapter and method herein are advantageously configured for use with battery packs that comply with a Small Tactical Universal Battery (STUB) form factor.