Integrated Binocular Coupling Mechanism for Lightweight Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional binocular systems are excessive in terms of parts, weight, and size, both when used as binoculars and telescopes, necessitating a reduction in components to achieve a more lightweight and compact design.

Innovation Solution

A binocular system comprising pairs of monoculars with a coupling portion that includes a first and second coupling portion formed integrally with each monocular, connected via a hinge portion allowing adjustable bending angle, enabling the monoculars to be detachable and used independently or combined for higher magnification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling member independent from monoculars is used to connect monoculars in pairs, then the binocular system can be assembled and disassembled, but the number of parts increases and weight and size become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinocular system assemblyVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is merged with one of the monoculars to form an integrated unit. The coupling portion includes a first coupling portion formed integrally with the one monocular, eliminating the need for a separate independent coupling member and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the ability to assemble and disassemble the binocular system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling member independent from monoculars is used to connect monoculars in pairs, then the binocular system can be assembled and disassembled, but weight and size become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinocular system assemblyVSAvoidbinocular system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is merged with one of the monoculars to form an integrated unit. This integration eliminates redundant structures and reduces the overall weight of the binocular system while preserving the functionality of assembling and disassembling the monoculars.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If monoculars are made detachable from each other, then the system can be used as telescope by connecting one monocular to the other, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetelescope usageVSAvoidcoupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is integrated with one monocular, and the connecting portion is formed directly on the other monocular. This simplifies the coupling mechanism by reducing the number of separate components while enabling the monoculars to be detachably connected for telescope usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling portion and connected portion are designed with universal compatibility, allowing the monoculars to be connected in different configurations (side-by-side for binoculars, end-to-end for telescopes). This multi-functional design enables both binocular and telescope modes without requiring complex specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3477357B1Binocular system
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 KAMAKURA KOKI
  • EP3477357B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3477357B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2
  • EP3477357B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The binocular system 100 includes monoculars 10, 20 in pairs and a coupling portion 30 coupling the monoculars 10, 20 in pairs, wherein: one monocular 10 has a connecting portion 11 on a side of an objective lens 13 thereof; the other monocular 20 has a connected portion 22 connectable to the connecting portion 11 on a side of an eye lens 24 thereof; the coupling portion 30 includes a first coupling portion 31 formed integrally with the one monocular 10, a second coupling portion 32 formed integrally with the other monocular 20, and a hinge portion 33 coupling the first coupling portion 31 and the second coupling portion 32 in such a manner that a mutual bending angle therebetween is adjustable centering around a bending axis B; and the one monocular 10 and the other monocular 20 are detachable from each other.