Binocular Focus Mechanism with Magnetic Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual focus adjustment systems in binoculars and similar sighting devices are cumbersome for users to quickly re-focus on previously targeted positions, as they require manual adjustment each time.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a position sensor magnet and a 3D magnetometer within the focus adjustor to measure and save focus positions, allowing users to easily recall and re-focus on previously set positions through a memory storage system and notification mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focus adjustment systems use thumb knobs or levers, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot quickly re-focus on previously targeted positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically saving focus positions to memory when the user presses the focus return set button. This allows the focus position to be captured and stored in advance, enabling quick re-focusing without manual adjustment. The magnetic position sensor continuously tracks the focus adjustor position, and the controller saves this data proactively when triggered, eliminating the need for users to manually remember or record focus positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing visual, auditory, or tactile notifications when a saved focus position is detected or when a position is successfully saved. The notification device gives real-time feedback to the user about the focus state, confirming when the desired focus position has been achieved. This feedback mechanism guides the user during the re-focusing process and confirms successful operations.
2Loss of time
If magnetic position sensing components are integrated into the focus adjustor, then focus position can be automatically saved and recalled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into the focus adjustor assembly: the manual focus adjustment function, the magnetic position sensor magnet function, and the position sensing function. By integrating these components, the patent reduces the need for separate focus adjustment mechanisms and position recording systems, thereby minimizing overall device complexity while achieving automatic focus position saving and recall capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the focus adjustor's own magnetic field characteristics to sense its position. The position sensor magnet on the focus adjustor interacts with the 3D magnetometer to automatically determine and report the focus position without requiring external sensors or complex measurement systems. The system serves itself by utilizing the existing magnetic components for dual purposes: focus adjustment and position sensing.
3Measurement precision
If a 3D magnetometer and position sensor magnet are used to measure focus position, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical position sensing methods (such as optical encoders, potentiometers, or mechanical linkages) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The 3D magnetometer detects the position of the position sensor magnet through magnetic field measurements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing components. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability.
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
Enables users to quickly and accurately re-focus on saved positions, enhancing usability by eliminating the need for manual re-adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
capturing the position of the focusing mechanism by using a position sensor magnet located on/in the focusing adjustor and a 3D magnetometer that measures the position sensor magnet's position
Data Source
AI summary
An improved focusing mechanism that integrates magnetic measurement of a position sensor magnet on a focus adjustor wherein the focus position is based on capturing a focus mechanism's position with use of the position sensor magnet and 3D magnetometer and storing that captured position in memory thus allowing users to setup and save a focus mechanism's position facilitating the quick re-focusing on previously saved positions is disclosed.