Composite Rifle Scope Housing with Metal Eyepiece Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rifle scopes made of steel or aluminum are heavier than ideal for certain applications, necessitating a lighter alternative without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A method of producing a rifle scope body using composite materials, where a longitudinal inner molding core is separated into front and rear pieces, wrapped with woven fibers, and infused with resin to create a lightweight composite shell that incorporates a rigid-material tube, along with a metal eyepiece adapter to maintain structural integrity and resist recoil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional steel or aluminum is used for the rifle scope body, then structural integrity and strength are maintained, but the weight becomes excessive for some applications
Solution Approach 1:
The rifle scope body is constructed using composite materials consisting of woven fiber material (such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or aramid fiber) combined with resin matrix. This composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving both weight reduction and structural integrity requirements. The patent specifically describes using layered composite construction with fibers oriented in different directions to maintain strength while minimizing weight.
2Weight of moving object
If the rifle scope body is made lighter using composite materials, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct segments: preparing the mold cavity, placing woven fiber material in layers, impregnating with resin, curing, and post-processing. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and facilitates quality control. The patent describes a systematic approach where the scope body is constructed in manageable stages, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold cavity is prepared in advance with appropriate surface treatments and release agents before composite material placement. The woven fiber material is pre-cut and pre-positioned in the correct orientation patterns. Resin is pre-mixed and degassed before application. These preliminary actions prevent defects and reduce rework, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Weight of moving object
If composite material is used for the rifle scope body, then weight is reduced, but bonding strength with metal components during recoil may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the composite scope body are designed with locally optimized properties. Areas subject to high stress during recoil (such as mounting interfaces and attachment points) are reinforced with additional fiber layers or different fiber orientations. The patent describes varying fiber density and orientation in specific zones to enhance bonding reliability where needed while maintaining overall weight reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material system is specifically engineered to provide strong bonding interfaces with metal components. The resin matrix is selected for its adhesive properties and compatibility with metal surfaces. The patent describes using epoxy or polyester resins that form strong chemical and mechanical bonds with both the fiber reinforcement and metal attachment components, ensuring reliability under recoil forces.
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 composite material rifle scope achieves a significant reduction in weight while maintaining structural integrity and performance, with enhanced bonding and resistance to recoil forces, making it suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
The workpiece is heated until the resin infuses the woven-fiber material
Implementation Method 2
The resin is permitted to cure, thereby creating a composite material piece
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing a rifle scope having a body made in part of composite material. The method utilizes a composite material tubular housing element, having a rear and having an outer diameter and a metal eyepiece adapter in form of a tube having an inner diameter matching the outer diameter. In the method, the metal eyepiece adapter is adhered partially over the rear of the tubular housing element.