3D-Printed Long-Range Optics for Custom Fit and Lower Production Effort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing methods for long-range optical apparatuses and their accessories are labor-intensive and costly, and do not allow for user-specific, customized productions.
Innovation Solution
The production of long-range optical apparatuses and their accessories is partially or fully achieved through 3D printing, utilizing various methods such as free space, powder bed, laser beam melting, and stereolithography, allowing for customized anatomical adaptations and user-specific designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional manufacturing methods are used for long-range optical apparatuses, then production can be performed with established processes, but the production effort and cost are high and customization is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional subtractive or form manufacturing methods to additive manufacturing (3D printing). This fundamental change in the manufacturing parameter (methodology) enables both reduced production effort and full customization capability. The 3D printing process allows digital models to be directly manufactured, eliminating complex tooling and assembly steps while enabling user-specific anatomical adaptations through digital modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes copying by creating digital 3D models of the optical apparatus and its components. These digital copies can be stored, modified, and manufactured through 3D printing. The digital model serves as a versatile template that can be replicated exactly or customized by modifying the digital design, enabling both cost-effective production and user-specific adaptations without requiring physical molds or tooling for each variant.
2Reliability
If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then production processes are established, but production cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential design information from physical prototypes and conventional manufacturing processes, converting it into digital 3D models. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive physical tooling, molds, and complex assembly fixtures that are typically required in conventional manufacturing. The digital model can be directly manufactured through 3D printing, significantly reducing material and tooling costs while maintaining production reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the manufacturing parameter from conventional methods to additive manufacturing, the patent achieves cost reduction while maintaining production reliability. The 3D printing process eliminates intermediate steps such as mold fabrication, tooling, and complex assembly operations, thereby reducing overall production cost. The digital workflow provides consistency and reliability through standardized digital models that can be replicated exactly.
3Productivity
If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then standard production processes can be applied, but user-specific customized productions are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the design to be adaptable and configurable based on user requirements. The 3D printing process allows for dynamic customization where the digital model can be modified to accommodate different user anatomies, preferences, and functional requirements. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through digital modeling software that allows real-time adjustments to geometry, size, and configuration without requiring retooling or retooling processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying through digital 3D models that can be easily modified and customized. The digital copy serves as a flexible template that can be adjusted to match specific user requirements while maintaining the overall design integrity. This digital copying approach enables unlimited customization variants to be produced from the same base design without additional tooling costs, achieving both productivity and adaptability.
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
This approach reduces production effort and cost, enhances user comfort and satisfaction by providing customized, anatomically adapted parts, and increases application efficiency by eliminating operating errors due to mishandling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one part of the long-range optical apparatus and/or at least one accessory part and/or at least one operating part and/or at least one housing part is produced with a 3D printing method
Implementation Method 2
utilizing various methods such as free space, powder bed, laser beam melting, and stereolithography
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a long range optical apparatus, an operating part of a long range optical apparatus, an accessory part of a long range optical apparatus and a method for producing a long range optical device, in particular, a binocular or monocular telescope, spotting scope, rifle scope, night vision device or range finder, and/or at least one accessory part and/or at least one operating part and/or at least one housing part of the long range optical apparatus, wherein the long range optical apparatus comprises at least one housing, characterized in that the long range optical apparatus and/or the at least one accessory part and/or the at least one operating part and/or the at least one housing part is/are produced at least partially with at least one 3D printing method.