Binocular Convergence Adjustment Mechanism with Integrated IPD Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing binocular devices face challenges in simplifying and stabilizing the convergence adjustment between telescopes, which is crucial for user comfort and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a mechanism with inter-pupillary distance (IPD) adjustment and convergence angle adjustment systems, utilizing gear racks, pivot screw holes, and locking mechanisms to allow for precise and stable alignment of binocular barrels, enabling users to set and lock the convergence angle between telescopes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If convergence adjustment mechanism is added to binocular devices, then convergence angle can be adjusted for different working distances and user eye spacings, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvergence angle adjustment capabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines IPD adjustment and convergence angle adjustment into a single integrated mechanism. The knurled knob simultaneously controls both the IPD adjustment gear rack and the convergence angle adjustment gear rack through a shared pinion gear system, reducing the number of separate adjustment mechanisms while maintaining independent adjustment capabilities for both parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it adjusts both inter-pupillary distance (IPD) and convergence angle using a single knurled knob and integrated gear system. This multi-functional design allows one mechanism to replace what would traditionally require separate adjustment systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If locking mechanism is implemented for convergence angle, then adjustment stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing gear rack system. The convergence angle adjustment gear rack incorporates locking features directly into its structure, allowing the adjustment to be secured without requiring a separate locking device. This integration maintains stability while minimizing additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If gear racks and pinion gears are used for adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvergence angle adjustment precisionVSAvoidgear mechanism fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a shared pinion gear that engages with both the IPD adjustment gear rack and the convergence angle adjustment gear rack. This shared component reduces the total number of precision gears that need to be manufactured, while still providing precise adjustment through the gear meshing mechanism. The design optimizes the gear system to minimize manufacturing complexity while maintaining adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8446670B2Convergence adjustment mechanism

Publication Date: 2013.05.21 DEN MAT HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair including a pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slidable coupling between each telescope and arm.