Binocular Prism Beam Splitter for Laser Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern slim binoculars with Abbe-König prism systems and folding bridges face challenges in integrating a laser distance measuring device due to structural space constraints, leading to rigid housings and complex interpupillary distance adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a laser transmitter and receiver into binocular halves with Abbe-König prism systems that include isosceles and roof prisms with splitter layers, allowing for adjustable optical axes via a folding bridge, enabling compact integration and convenient manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laser distance measuring device is integrated into modern slim binoculars with Abbe-König prism systems, then the functionality is improved, but the structural space constraints and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser distance measuring device with the binocular structure by integrating the laser transmitter and receiver into the binocular housing. The laser beam path is merged with the optical path of the binocular, using the same prism system for both functions. This merging allows the laser device to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall size or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Abbe-König prism system serves dual functions: it acts as an image erecting prism for the viewing beams and simultaneously functions as a beam splitter for the laser distance measuring device. The folding bridge mechanism also provides dual functionality by enabling both interpupillary distance adjustment and laser beam path adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If the laser transmitter and receiver are mounted in rigid housings with fixed optical axes, then the alignment is simplified, but the interpupillary distance adjustment becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a folding bridge mechanism that allows the optical axes of the two binocular halves to be adjusted relative to each other. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the interpupillary distance to be varied while maintaining the rigid housing structure and simple laser alignment. The folding bridge creates a movable connection between the two tubes, allowing adjustment without complicating the laser mounting.
3Shape
If the binocular housing is made slim and linear, then the compactness is improved, but the space for laser components and adjustment mechanisms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the folding bridge mechanism to adjust the optical axes in a dimension perpendicular to the main optical path. This allows the binocular to maintain a slim and linear shape in the primary direction while providing adjustment capability through a different dimensional approach. The laser components are arranged to take advantage of the compact space created by this dimensional adjustment strategy.
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 solution allows for a compact and user-friendly integration of a laser distance measuring device within slim binoculars, maintaining a linear shape and balancing cost with improved manipulability by varying the distance between optical axes.
Implementation Method 1
An Abbe-König prism system is a reflection prism system via which an image is erected. A vertical reversal as well as a lateral reversal takes place.
Implementation Method 2
one of the isosceles prism and the roof prism of each of the Abbe-König prism systems defining a splitter arrangement for splitting the viewing beam and the laser beam, which run part way in common in the corresponding tube, into separate beams
Data Source
AI summary
Binoculars have two tubes connected to each other via a folding bridge and an Abbe-König prism system is arranged in each tube and the Abbe-König prism systems are provided for image reversal of respective visual viewing beam paths. Each Abbe-König system includes an isosceles prism and a roof prism adjacent thereto. A laser transmitter (21) in the first tube (3a) and a corresponding laser receiver (22) in the second tube (3b) can be changed in parallel with respect to the distance to each other by means of the folding bridge (37). One of the two prisms (9, 10) of each Abbe-König prism system (6) is configured with a splitter layer (12, 12′, 12″) or is connected via a cement layer for splitting the viewing beam (7) and laser beam (24) into separate beams with the beams (7, 24) running part way in common in the respective tubes (3a, 3b).