WO2013120015A1 - Rail adapter accessory power protection circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

A firearm rail adapter comprising a rail adapter assembly (100) configured to detachably attach to a structure, the rail adapter assembly (100) comprising a first member proximate to the structure (220) and a second member distal from the structure (110), wherein the proximate first structure (220) and the distal second structure (110) define a conduit; and wherein the conduit comprises at least one circuit (900) configured, by a sensor (126, 910) configured to detect installation of an adapter mounted device, to selectively provide power using an electronic switch to at least one section of the rail adapter assembly.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: RAIL ADAPTER ACCESSORY POWER PROTECTION CIRCUIT CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/597,620 filed February 10, 2012, the contents of which, including all appendices, are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to detachably attachable systems and detachably attachable support structures for the attachment of devices and subsystems, and more particularly to rail adapter accessory power protection circuit. BACKGROUND

An adapter-mounted device may have a spring-loaded pin for engaging a contact pad of the adapter. A device may be disposed on a firearm rail adapter having an electrical contact pad and the contact pad may be connected to a power source. In some systems, the circuit of the device may be powered via a spring-load pin, however in operation or subjected to other environmental factors may short or otherwise ruin the circuit.

SUMMARY

Exemplary firearm rail adapters may comprise: a rail adapter assembly configured to attach to a structure, the rail adapter assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a second member distal from the structure, where the proximate first structure and the distal second structure define a conduit; and where the conduit comprises at least one circuit, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to selectively provide power using an electronic switch to at least one section of the rail adapter assembly via a sensor configured to detect installation of an adapter mounted device. Optionally, power may be provided to the at least one section of the rail adapter assembly if an installation of the adapter mounted device is detected by the sensor. Embodiments of the firearm rail adapter may include one or more grooves, where the at least one section of the rail adapter comprises a groove of the rail adapter assembly and wherein the one or more grooves are parallel to each other. Optionally, an input power of the at least one circuit comprises a first circuit connected to a second circuit in parallel. Embodiments may include a sensor where the sensor may be a proximity sensor and wherein the sensor may effect a change in the internal power switching circuitry. Additionally, the proximity sensor may be configured to be activated by a magnet attached to the adapter mounted device and also where the proximity sensor may be configured to operate at +4.7-7.5 volts.

In some embodiments, the at least one circuit may further comprise at least one of: a high side smart multi-protection switch, a low side MOSFET switch, and a proximity sensor. Optionally, the at least one circuit may be a printed circuit board configured to conduct electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail adapter. In one embodiment, the at least one circuit may be a flexible circuit configured to conduct electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail adapter. The rail adapter assembly may further be configured to detachably attach to the structure.

In some embodiments, the rail adapter assembly may further comprise a set of contact pads mounted to the at least one circuit of the conduit. Additionally, the at least one circuit may be further configured to limit momentary failures to only one set of contact pads thereby allowing the remaining set of contact pads of the rail adapter assembly to continue to function. Optionally, the set of contact pads may be electrically isolated from other sets of contact pads by a high side switch and a low side switch. Additionally, the at least one circuit may be further configured to selectively provide data signals to at least one section of the rail adapter assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawing, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates in an exploded perspective view a top (distal) portion and a bottom (proximate) portion of an exemplary rail assembly;

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary accessory housing, e.g., a laser emitter element housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter; FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary accessory housing, e.g., a power interface adapter housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate in a cross-sectional view, an exemplary accessory housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter;

FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded cross-section of an exemplary accessory housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary magnetically activated electronic power switching circuit; and

FIG. 5 depicts, in an exemplary schematic, circuitry accommodating the disposition of magnetic proximity sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of an exemplary rail adapter may include: (a) a rail adapter accessory; (b) an adapter lug or flange-receiver housing; (c) a rail assembly comprising one or more accessory rails; and (d) circuitry internal to the rail assembly, e.g., via a printed circuit board. Some embodiments of the firearm rail adapter, or rail-mounted device, may include fixed contact pins / pads mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) embedded in the rail adapter to provide for the transmission of power, and/or data signals, between the adapter-mounted device and the exemplary rail-mounted device. The contact pads in the rail adapter may be surrounded by, or otherwise embedded in, a sleeve such as a rubber or plastic sleeve. Accordingly, the sleeve may function as both an electrical insulator and water seal. The pads may be located within recoil grooves, in part to reduce the possibility of a short circuit. The flush mounting of the pads may reduce the possibility of connector contamination and provide for ease of cleaning.

In an exemplary embodiment, an application exists where a Rail Adapter

Accessory (RAA) is required to remain submerged underwater while in operation or subjected to other environmental factors that could short or otherwise ruin a circuit. For example, when electrically charged conductors are submerged, such as, for example, the unoccupied contact pads used on the RAA, corrosion issues may occur, e.g., electrolysis or desorption. Over time this may cause the contacts to become ineffective.

In some embodiments, removal of power to selected, unoccupied contacts on the RAA is required. The removal of power may be accomplished using the following method: A proximity sensor may be installed within the RAA. This sensor may be a hall-effect sensor reacting to a magnetic field produced from a magnet installed in an Adapter Mounted Device (AMD). Optionally, other types of proximity sensors may be used including: capacitive, inductive, or photoelectric. Using a sensor for power switch activation, the circuit would be electrically active when the AMD was installed. The AMD contact seals may be configured and interposed between the RAA contact pad surface and the AMD locating boss in order to prevent or minimize damage caused, for example, by water.

Some AMDs may not isolate their housing from one of their spring contact pins used for connection to the RAA. In these cases, removal of power to only one polarity in the RAA may result in an interaction between unoccupied powered contact pads on the RAA and the exposed power potential of an attached AMD.

A proximity sensor may be installed within the RAA to control internal power switching circuitry. The proximity sensor may be activated by a magnet attached to an AMD. Due to the proximity switching, power to RAA contact pads may be provided when the AMD was installed. The AMD contact seals may thereby prevent exposure damage to the RAA contact pads.

During cleaning operations or improper use, it may be possible to short circuit exposed RAA contact pads. An example of improper use would be where the operator uses a knife or other conductive metal object to clean contact pads while power is being applied to the RAA. Exposed pads may be electrically protected by using a proximity sensor installed within the RAA to control internal power switching circuitry. The proximity sensor may be activated by a magnet attached to an AMD. Power to RAA contact pads may only be provided when the AMD was installed. The AMD contact seals may then prevent exposure damage to the RAA contact pads.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in an exploded perspective view, a top (distal) portion 110 and a bottom (proximate) portion 220 of an exemplary rail adapter assembly 100. In some embodiments, the bottom (proximate) portion 220 may provide for electrical, communication, and/or data bussing. An exemplary modular circuit on the bottom (proximate) portion may selectively provide power to a pair of proximate contact pads 1 12 based on a proximity sensor 126 positioned or otherwise interposed between the pair of proximate contact pads 1 12. Some embodiments may include a pair of contact pads 1 12 located within one groove while others may be located within multiple grooves, thereby traversing a "land" top member stop. This relative disposition of contact pads may be based on expected use of the circuit and the geometry of the AMD based on the specific application of the circuit. Electricity may flow to the contact pads upon activation of the exemplary magnetically activated proximity sensor 126 by, for example, a magnet attached to an AMD. In one embodiment, electricity may not flow to the contact pads once the magnetically activated proximity sensor 126 is deactivated.

FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary accessory housing 715, e.g., a laser emitter element housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter. FIG. 2B depicts an exemplary accessory housing 710, e.g., a power interface adapter housing, locating boss 720 is depicted in proximity for engaging a groove of the adapter rail. The locating boss 720 is depicted as having contact seals 722 disposed about spring contact pins 724. A magnet 726 may be attached, disposed, or embedded to the exemplary accessory housing between the two spring contact pins 724.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate in a cross-sectional view, an exemplary accessory housing configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter. FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded cross-section, configured to detachably attach to an embodiment of a rail adapter. An exemplary magnet 726 is disposed between two spring contact pins 724.

An application may exist where an RAA is required to remain submerged underwater while in operation. When electrically charged conductors are submerged, such as the unoccupied contact pads on the RAA, common issues occur, for example, electrolysis or desorption. Over time this may cause the contact pads to become ineffective. Careful contact pad material selection may reduce, but not eliminate these issues. Accordingly, contact seals 722 may be used and are depicted as disposed about contact pins 724 that may provide water proofing, and minimum water damage by leakage for submersed assemblies. Electrical isolation for the spring contact pins may be provided by pin insulators 721.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary magnetically activated proximity sensor power switching circuit 900. In one embodiment, the sensor circuit may be mounted on an internal circuit board of the RAA. The power protection circuit may also be mounted in or to other types of non-removable rail systems, e.g., a firearm upper receiver housing or handguard. The power switch circuit is modular and may be connected to a power source 901, e.g., a battery store or a battery cartridge, in parallel with additional switch circuits, where the at least one circuit may be disposed within at least one groove of the adapter rail. In some embodiments, each circuit may comprise at least one of: a proximity switch sensor 910, e.g., a A3212 Bi-polar ultrasensitive hall-effect sensor, a high side switch 920, e.g., a BTT6050 Smart multi-protection high side switch connected to a positive output contact pad 930, a low side switch 950, e.g., a

SI7106DN-T1-GE3 Fast switching MOSFET connected to a negative output contact pad 940 and a signal inverting device, e.g., a SI1032R Fast switching MOSFET. A single voltage regulator, e.g., a TLE4296-2G V33 Low drop voltage regulator may provide power to the hall-effect sensors. FIG. 4 further shows repeat stations for additional contact sets, as necessary, each repeat station comprising a magnetic proximity switch sensor 91 1, 912, a high side switch 921, 922, a positive power contact 931, 932, a negative power contact 941, 942, and a low side switch 951, 952.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary switch circuit as an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4. One individual switch circuit and one voltage regulator circuit is depicted. A single switch circuit may provide power to a single set of contact pads (station). More stations may be added to the RAA using the +4.7-7.5v input as the common input location from the power source, e.g., a battery store or a battery cartridge. In this exemplary embodiment, the voltage regulator circuit provides power to the proximity sensor(s). A single 3.3v regulator output may be used to power multiple sensors and may not require replication as more stations are added. In one embodiment, proximity sensors operating at +4.7-7.5v may also be selected, thereby eliminating the need for a voltage regulator.

Power Protection Circuitry for the Rail Adapter Accessory

An incompatible or defective AMD may be accidently attached to the RAA which could cause permanent electrical malfunctions. An AMD may also fail during operation. In some embodiment, specific RAA circuit design may be required to prevent permanent failures of the RAA. In one exemplary embodiment, the circuit design may also limit momentary failures to one set of contact pads only (station) allowing the remaining stations on the RAA to continue to function normally.

Each station may be electrically isolated from each other to prevent total failure of the RAA. Failure or short-circuit of one installed AMD would not disable any other station on the RAA. Additionally, Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) protection circuitry may be used to protect individual circuits connected to each contact pad.

An AMD may be installed using improper polarity alignment. Protection circuitry momentarily interrupting power transmission may be used to protect the individual circuits connected to each station. In this exemplary embodiment, momentary failure of one station would not disable any other station on the RAA. Removal of the defective AMD would allow the disabled station to return to normal operation.

An AMD may be installed which exceeds the specified power load capability of the RAA. Protection circuitry momentarily interrupting power transmission may be used to protect the individual circuits connected to each station. Momentary failure of one station would not disable any other station on the RAA. Again, removal of the defective AMD would allow the disabled station to return to normal operation.

A power protection circuitry embodiment may comprise an exemplary sensor where the sensor may be configured to detect installation of an adapter mounted device, the failure modes may comprise at least one of the following:

• Electrolysis

• Short Circuit

• Reverse polarity

· Overload

• Electro-Static Discharge

• Incompatible AMD

• Total failure of the RAA

In an embodiment where an AMD is not installed, both high and low side power switches may be turned off by a proximity sensor, e.g., an A3212 Bi-polar

ultrasensitive hall-effect sensor. In another exemplary embodiment where the short circuit of exposed contact pads may occur, the high and low side power switches may be turned off by a proximity sensor, e.g., an A3212 Bi-polar ultrasensitive hall-effect sensor. Additionally, a short circuit caused by a defective AMD may also be sensed by the internal protection circuit of the high side power switch, e.g., a BTT6050 Smart multi-protection high side switch. In this scenario, the switch senses an overload and places itself into a non-conductive mode until the switch is reset. In one exemplary embodiment a reverse polarity may occur, for example, an AMD may be inadvertently installed backwards where that installation may be sensed by the internal protection circuit of the high side power switch, e.g., a BTT6050 Smart multi-protection high side switch. In this embodiment, the switch may be configured to sense the failure and may place itself into a non-conductive mode until the switch is reset.

In an embodiment where an overload may be caused by a defective AMD, improper use of an AMD, or installation of an incompatible AMD, overloads may be sensed by the internal protection circuit of the high side power switch, e.g., a BTT6050 Smart multi-protection high side switch. Again, the switch may sense the overload and place itself into a non-conductive mode until the switch is reset.

The power protection circuit may be, preferably tolerant of Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) strikes that may happen through the exposed contact pads.

Additionally, high side ESD strikes may be sensed by the internal protection circuit of the high side power switch, e.g., a BTT6050 Smart multi-protection high side switch. In one embodiment, the switch senses the overload and places itself into a non- conductive mode until the switch is reset. Optionally, low side ESD strikes may be dissipated through an ESD suppression diode, e.g., a PGB 1010402KR PulseGuard ESD Suppressor.

In some embodiments an AMD may be designed for another rail system and therefore not conform to the required mechanical design specification, i.e., be an incompatible AMD. Single or multiple protection responses as described above may result. In one embodiment, spring pin tension, pin placement, and the proximity sensor activation feature are examples of critical items that may be required for correct operation. In a system where the AMD is designed for another rail system, i.e., incompatible with the current system, the internal electronic structure of the AMD may conflict with the electrical design specification of the Power Protection Circuit. That is, single or multiple protection responses, as described above, may result from this conflict.

In one embodiment, each set of output contact pads (station) may be electrically isolated from other stations by the high and low side switches. Each station may be comprised of an individual protection circuit connected to a common input power device, e.g., a battery store or a battery cartridge. When the high side and/or low side switch is off, power cannot flow back to the common input power device or other stations, thereby preventing a total failure of the RAA.

Alternative components may be used in place of the smart multi-protection high side switch. In some embodiments, discreet components may be combined in a way to replicate the internal structure of the smart multi-protection high side switch. The exemplary circuit embodiment represents the use of a smart multi-protection high side switch. Optionally, similar protection features would also exist with the use of a smart multi-protection low side switch and a Fast switching MOSFET high side switch.

It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features, systems, methods, and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

What is claimed is:

A firearm rail adapter comprising:

a rail adapter assembly configured to attach to a structure, the rail adapter assembly comprising a first member proximate to the structure and a second member distal from the structure, wherein the proximate first member and the distal second member define a conduit; and

wherein the conduit comprises at least one circuit, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to selectively provide power using an electronic switch to at least one section of the rail adapter assembly via a sensor configured to detect installation of an adapter mounted device.

The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein power is provided to the at least one section of the rail adapter assembly if an installation of the adapter mounted device is detected by the sensor.

The firearm rail adapter of claim 2, wherein the at least one section of the rail adapter assembly comprises one or more grooves and wherein the one or more grooves are parallel to each other.

The firearm rail adapter of claim 2, wherein an input power of the at least one circuit comprises a first circuit connected to a second circuit in parallel.

The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

The firearm rail adapter of claim 5, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to be activated by a magnet attached to the adapter mounted device. 7. The firearm rail adapter of claim 5, wherein the proximity sensor is configured to operate at +4.7-7.5 volts.

8. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit further comprises a high side smart multi-protection switch, a low side MOSFET switch, and a proximity sensor.

9. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is a printed circuit board configured to conduct electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail adapter assembly.

10. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is a flexible circuit configured to conduct electricity to at least one device detachably attached to the rail adapter assembly.

11. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the rail adapter assembly is further configured to detachably attach to the structure.

12. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the rail adapter assembly further comprises at least one set of contact pads connected to the at least one circuit of the conduit.

13. The firearm rail adapter of claim 12, wherein the at least one circuit is further configured to limit momentary failures to only one set of contact pads thereby allowing the remaining set of contact pads of the rail adapter assembly to continue to function.

14. The firearm rail adapter of claim 13, wherein each set of contact pads is

electrically isolated from each other set of contact pads by a high side switch and a low side switch.

15. The firearm rail adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is further configured to selectively provide data signals to at least one section of the rail adapter assembly.