U.S. patent application number 12/689437 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for rifle accessory rail, communication, and power transfer system - communication.
This patent application is currently assigned to PROTOTYPE PRODUCTIONS, INC.. Invention is credited to Eric Cabahug, James Dodd, Ben Feldman, John Schroeder.
Application Number | 20100192443 12/689437 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42396527 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100192443 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cabahug; Eric ; et
al. |
August 5, 2010 |
RIFLE ACCESSORY RAIL, COMMUNICATION, AND POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM -
COMMUNICATION
Abstract
The present invention is related to weapons systems. In
particular, the present invention is directed to accessory
attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable
attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power
source and communicate with the user and/or other devices.
Inventors: |
Cabahug; Eric; (Fairfax,
VA) ; Feldman; Ben; (Reston, VA) ; Schroeder;
John; (US) ; Dodd; James; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SULLIVAN & WORCESTER LLP
1666 K Street NW
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
PROTOTYPE PRODUCTIONS, INC.
Ashburn
VA
|
Family ID: |
42396527 |
Appl. No.: |
12/689437 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61145248 |
Jan 16, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/71.02 ;
42/71.01; 42/72; 42/90 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41C 23/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/71.02 ; 42/90;
42/71.01; 42/72 |
International
Class: |
F41C 23/22 20060101
F41C023/22; F41C 27/00 20060101 F41C027/00 |
Claims
1. A firearm system comprising: at least one mounting rail
comprising an electrical contact; at least one power source; at
least one rail accessory; and wherein the at least one rail
accessory receives electrical power from the power source.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery
pack.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one rail receives power
across a central DC bus
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a power switch for
controlling the flow of electrical power from the power source to
the rail accessory.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one powered mounting
rail is a detachable mounting rail.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one powered mounting
rail a Picatinny rail.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a butt stock assembly
wherein the buttstock assembly comprises the power source.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an external power pack
wherein the external power pack comprises the power source.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a foregrip assembly
wherein the foregrip assembly comprises the power source.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the external power pack attaches
to the mounting rail.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is located in a
pistol grip.
12. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a first rail
accessory mechanically connected to the at least one mounting rail
and electrically connected to the at least one power connection; a
second rail accessory mechanically connected to the at least one
mounting rail and electrically connected to the at least one power
connection.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mounting rail
is a detachable mounting rail.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory contains a power
converter to transform the rail power into power suitable for the
accessory.
15. The system of claim 1, where the power converter is controlled
by a microprocessor.
16. The system of claim 12, communications between mounted
accessories is performed through the power bus.
17. The system of claim 12, a modem in each accessory translates
the bus signals for accessory communications and control.
18. The system of claim 12, each accessory has configurable
hardware or software switches to identify the desired user
interface functionality.
19. The system of claim 1, the accessory contains a microprocessor
to execute control functions and transfer data between other
accessories.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is related to weapons systems. In
particular, the present invention is directed to accessory
attachment systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable
attached accessory devices to draw power from a central power
source and communicate with the user and/or other devices.
[0002] The current rifles and small arm weaponry in use by US armed
forces can be equipped with numerous combat optics, laser
designators/sights, and flashlights; all comes with different power
requirements and battery supplies. The result is a heavy weapon and
a heavier field load of batteries to accommodate the various
accessories, which ultimately impacts the soldiers' effectiveness,
particularly on longer missions. One of the US Army focus areas is
improving the performance of their soldiers' combat equipment while
reducing the load that each soldier has to carry. One of these
efforts is concentrated on providing advanced technologies to
demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative communications rail
and power transfer system. The resulting system will be backwards
compatible with current mission support devices and accessories
that mount to small arms weapons during operational procedures and
it will reduce the overall weight penalties of the current
system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to accessory attachment
systems for rifles and small arms weapons that enable attached
accessory devices to draw power from a central power source and
communicate with the user and/or other devices.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or
mitigate at least one disadvantage of previous firearm accessory
rails.
[0005] In a first embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a firearm accessory mounting rail for attachment of a
firearm accessory to the barrel of a firearm. The accessory rail
may provide a connection for the firearm accessory.
[0006] The present invention embodies firearm systems comprising at
least one mounting rail comprising at least one power connection,
at least one power source, at least one rail accessory comprising a
rail grabber or mount, wherein the at least one rail accessory
receives electrical power from the power source.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an
accessory attachment system for rifles and small arms weapons that
enables attached accessory devices to draw power from a central
power source and communicate with the user or other devices without
exposed wires.
[0008] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 provides a drawing showing system architecture in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a full size mock-up of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows the fully functional powered rail with
integrated PCB and electrical bus contacts.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a powered rail accessory mounting assembly, a
typical embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a typical embodiment of the powered rail power
distribution system.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a typical embodiment of the buttstock battery
pack.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the battery pack module and
the accessory control module.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows fully functional, optional horizontal and
vertical grip, accessory control modules
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the principles of
the present invention are described by referring to various
exemplary embodiments thereof. Although the preferred embodiments
of the invention are particularly disclosed herein, one of ordinary
skill in the art will readily recognize that the same principles
are equally applicable to, and can be implicated in other
compositions and methods, and that any such variation would be
within such modifications that do not part from the scope of the
present invention. Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of
the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of any
particular embodiment shown, since of course the invention is
capable of other embodiments. The terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and not of limitation. Further, although
certain methods are described with reference to certain steps that
are presented herein in certain order, in many instances, these
steps may be performed in any order as may be appreciated by one
skilled in the art, and the methods are not limited to the
particular arrangement of steps disclosed herein.
[0018] One of the US Army focus areas is improving the performance
of their land warrior's combat equipment while reducing the load
that each warfighter has to carry. One of these efforts is
concentrated on providing advanced technologies to allow power
transfer and communication among the accessory devices attached to
the weapons used by the land warriors in the adverse environment in
which they operate. Currently, the Program Executive Office (PEO)
has stated the need for a superior accessory rail communication and
power transfer system. A light weight and high-efficiency accessory
attachment and power transfer system is necessary to allow the
warfighter to operate the multiple accessories using a single power
source, while maintaining the modularity of the weapon according to
the specific mission. The devices that attach to the weapons use
the MIL-Std-1913 rail ("Picatinny rail"). The current attachment
rail can hold devices such as spotlights and flashlights, laser
designators, reflex optics, night vision systems, and other
devices, each with unique power requirements that require soldiers
to carry multiple type batteries for each accessory. The innovation
of the proposed communication and power transfer system resides in:
the ability to power multiple devices (with different power
requirements) from a single source, and providing the user(s) with
the ability to communicate with and control the attached accessory
devices, while maintaining the standard attachment modularity of
existing devices and reducing the soldier's load by eliminating the
need for multiple type batteries.
[0019] Those familiar with the development of the communication
rail and power transfer system have stated a need for innovative
technologies that can improve the deficiencies of the existing
system. Therefore, a business opportunity exists to apply new
technologies (mechanical designs and electromechanical concepts) to
engineer and develop a new communication and power transfer system
that can provide: [0020] Higher power densities from a single
compact source, eliminating multiple types of batteries [0021]
Reduction of battery mass and volume [0022] Significant
system-weight reduction [0023] Backwards compatibility with
existing systems (MIL-STD-1913 rail and accessories) [0024]
Capability for multi-functional operation (multiple power
requirements) [0025] Reliability during operation and handling in
adverse mission environments (Rain, Mud, Sand) [0026] Compact
design for practical transportability [0027] Centralized power
supply, the battery housed in the buttstock, thereby maintaining
the center of gravity and improve weapon handling [0028] Structural
toughness to withstand rough usage [0029] Flexible
manufacturability and affordability
[0030] The innovation is a modular accessory rail communication and
power transfer system developed from the detailed analysis of
proprietary conceptual designs that suggest the use of available
lightweight conductive materials, and consider multiple features
specifically designed to optimize the system's weight, power
efficiency, and soldier's performance.
[0031] After a detailed review of the existing system, the
available options and their related problems, Prototype
Productions, Inc. has understood the criteria that the new
accessory rail communication and power transfer system must meet.
The focuses on the design, development, integration, and
interaction of five main components: [0032] Picatinny Hand guard
rail [0033] Modular weapon system (MWS) Mounting [0034] Rail power
distribution [0035] Battery power pack [0036] Rail
communications
[0037] PPI's new cost competitive and innovative communications
rail and power transfer system would allow the US military not only
to ensure the reliability and functionality of all existing small
arms weapons; but also would greatly improve the probabilities of
implementing this new technology in other higher caliber weapons
and/or military vehicles and rotary aircraft. The technology would
certainly find attractive applications inside the civilian market
and has the potential to revolutionize the powering of electronic
applications/devices that require a single source of higher density
power delivery with standard attachment options. FIG. 1 shows a
diagram of the system architecture using the DC bus with galvanic
contact, buttstock battery pack and hand guard user input device.
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the system.
Picatinny Hand Guard Rail
[0038] The Picatinny hand guard rail assembly allows for mounting
of different devices on the weapons. Most of the sights are the
same among the weapons, but mounting of other accessories are
unique and may be different depending on mission requirements. For
example, the User Input Device, which provides control to
Multi-function laser or Daylight Video Sight while holding the
weapon. The installation of the M203 grenade launcher which has
different mounting configuration from the other accessories used on
the rifle.
[0039] These devices are electrically powered by an integrated
electrical bus providing electricity to any point of the hand guard
rails. FIG. 3 shows the fully functional powered rail with
integrated PCB and electrical bus contacts.
Modular Weapon System Accessory Mounting
[0040] A typical embodiment of the invention includes the use of a
powered rail accessory mounting assembly as shown in FIG. 4. The
mounting assembly attaches the typical accessory to the powered
accessory rail and consists of: the rail grabber, the spring
contacts, the spring plungers and the face seals. The spring
plungers depress the snap-dome switches on the powered rail, the
spring contacts provide electrical contact with the fixed
electrical bus contacts on the powered rail PCB assembly, and the
face seals provide environmental protection.
Rail Power Distribution
[0041] The main challenge during development was to demonstrate the
feasibility of a power and communication distribution system that
would perform to meet the rigors of the battlefield while
maintaining the flexibility and modularity of the weapon. This
would require a system that is not affected by the environment and
does not require tools to use. PPI's design approach was to use an
integrated power and communication system using an A/C (for an
inductive coupling system) or D/C (for galvanic contact) bus to the
Picatinny Rails. The rail design can be modified to keep the same
modularity without compromising the structural and functional
aspects of the design while providing a conduit and connection
point for the power and communications.
[0042] In FIG. 5, the electrical wire is routed from the battery
pack in the buttstock to the powered foregrip rail. The external
wiring is housed inside a durable and impact resistant rigid
polymer shroud that conforms to the lower receiver. The shroud is
securely retained by a quick connect/disconnect pivot and takedown
pin as well as the bolt release roll pin or in the trigger/hammer
pins. The design provides an easy access for replacement or repair
of the cable assembly and eliminates snag hazards or interferences
with the rifle operation and requires no modifications to the rifle
lower receiver housing.
Battery Power Pack
[0043] The purpose of the consolidation of the batteries into one
power unit is to reduce system weight, improve weapon balance and
handling; the battery system must incorporate batteries with high
power density.
[0044] A buttstock/recoil tube battery pack assembly includes a
collapsible buttstock, locking and quick release mechanism and a
removable battery pack, as shown in FIG. 6. The buttstock provides
a compartment to the underside of the buffer tube assembly which
allows the battery pack to be installed and withdrawn for removal
through the rear of the rifle. The battery pack mounts on the
buffer tube independent of the buttstock which telescopes along the
rifle. The buttstock is collapsible and can be extended in various
multiple intermediate positions providing an adjustable overall
length of the firearm.
Rail Communications
[0045] The battery adapter contains a DC/DC converter circuit and
control electronics, as well as selector switches for
identification. The preferred embodiment utilizes selector switches
on each battery adapter, which assign a user control button ID that
corresponds desired functionality for the designated peripheral As
an example, if the user wanted to momentarily power a target
illuminator, they would hold down button 1, which would power the
accessory as long as the button was depressed. If they wanted to
maintain power to the illuminator, they would press and release
button 2. To turn off the accessory, they would press the button
again. Alternatively, different combinations of buttons could
activate functions on any number of peripheral modules. This
approach maximizes flexibility and allows the accessories to be
field selected depending on mission. A schematic block diagram is
shown in FIG. 7.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows fully functional accessory control modules in
both the optional horizontal and vertical grip designs. The
accessory control modules have the ability to pass command and
control signals over the powered rail in order to activate and
de-activate mounted accessories, as well as provide accessory
identification and status.
[0047] Communications between the accessories are accomplished by
impressing a modulated signal on the power carrying conductors.
This reduces the number of conductors required for distributed
communications and confines the signal to the rail assembly. A
modem is used to manage the data translation from between the
digital processor and the analog power/communications bus. The
modem can be a standalone component or a software modem
implementation.
[0048] Embedded communications significantly increases the
versatility of the weapon by allowing coordination between
accessories mounted anywhere on the rail system.
[0049] These and other embodiments will be apparent to those of
skill in the art, all within the scope of the present invention,
which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *