Adjusting Cap Locking Mechanism for Telescopic Sight Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjusting devices for reticle devices in telescopic sights are prone to unintentional misalignment and incorrect settings, especially in low-light conditions, due to the risk of miscounting clicks on fine grids and the potential for external factors like clothing to cause unintended adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting device with a rotatable adjusting cap and a coupling part featuring a segmentally internally toothed locking ring and a spring-loaded latching mechanism, where the locking ring and latching ring have the same pitch, and a dowel pin secures the locking ring against rotation, ensuring precise locking and preventing unintentional adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fine grid with large adjustment range is used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of miscounting clicks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidsetting reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual locking mechanism with tactile feedback: a first locking means provides primary engagement while a second locking means with spring-loaded latching provides secondary confirmation. Each locking action produces distinct tactile feedback that confirms the adjusting cap device has reached a precise position, eliminating the need to count clicks and preventing miscounting errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded latching means acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs adjustment errors. The spring allows slight movement before engagement, providing a buffer zone that prevents hard impacts and ensures smooth, controlled locking into the correct position, thereby preventing misalignment before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If the adjusting cap device is made rotatable for adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintentional misalignment from external factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment easeVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic locking system where the first locking means can be easily engaged and disengaged for adjustment, while the second locking means provides automatic re-engagement through spring force. This dynamic mechanism allows intentional adjustment during operation but prevents unintentional misalignment by requiring deliberate action to change settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dual locking mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by providing two independent locking means that work together to prevent unwanted movement. The first locking means prevents rotation in one direction while the second locking means prevents rotation in the opposite direction, creating comprehensive protection against unintentional misalignment from external factors like clothing rubbing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional adjustment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The first locking means and second locking means are combined on the same adjusting cap device, with the first locking means providing primary engagement and the second locking means providing secondary confirmation. This merging approach achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as both locking means share the same operational interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded latching means of the second locking mechanism operates automatically through self-service. The spring force automatically engages the latching means with the locking ring without requiring additional user input, and the mechanism self-locks into position. This reduces the operational complexity while maintaining high reliability through automatic engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a secure and reliable adjustment mechanism that prevents unintentional misalignment, allows tactile feedback for precise positioning, and is simple, cost-effective, and durable, ensuring accurate settings even in dark conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded latching means (76) on the coupling part (40) can be brought into engagement with latching recesses (24) in a latching ring (70) on the adjusting cap device (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2314978B1Indexable adjusting device for adjusting an aiming device
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 SCHMIDT & BENDER
  • EP2314978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2314978B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The adjusting device (10) has an adjusting cover device (20) rotatably mounted at a coupling part (40) for actuating the adjusting device. The coupling part is formed to transfer movements of the adjusting cover device on components connected with the coupling part. A locking unit (50) i.e. externally toothed locking rim (52), is arranged at the coupling part and brought in engagement with another locking unit (60) i.e. internally toothed locking ring (62), so that position of the adjusting cover device is locked relative to the coupling part.