Compound Zoom Optical Sighting Device with Nested Erector Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sighting devices, such as riflescopes, are limited to a zoom ratio of around 10:1 due to mechanical constraints, such as the need for a large zoom ring rotation and complex mechanisms, which can lead to issues like vignetting and increased device length, making it difficult to achieve higher magnification ratios while maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A compound zoom system utilizing two adjacent power-varying lens erector systems in conjunction with a prism erector, allowing for independent operation of each zoom arrangement to achieve magnification ratios greater than 10:1, while keeping the device length under 350 millimeters, by using a Schmidt-Pechan prism assembly to fold the optical path and enable windage and elevation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom ratio greater than 10:1 is achieved using conventional single erector systems, then higher magnification is provided, but the device length increases and mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single erector system into two separate erector systems: a first erector system with first erector lenses and a second erector system with second erector lenses. Each erector system operates independently to provide zoom functionality, allowing the overall device to achieve higher zoom ratios without proportionally increasing length, as each subsystem can be optimized for its specific magnification range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the first and second erector systems in a nested arrangement where the erector lenses are disposed in spaced-apart relation along the optical axis within the same housing structure. This nesting allows multiple erector systems to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones, achieving compound zoom capability while maintaining a compact overall device length.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom ratio greater than 10:1 is achieved using conventional systems, then higher magnification is provided, but the mechanical complexity increases due to requiring large zoom ring rotation and complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the zoom mechanism into two independent erector systems, each with its own lens elements and adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each system to handle a portion of the total zoom range, reducing the mechanical burden on any single system and enabling simpler, more reliable mechanisms compared to a single complex system attempting to provide the entire zoom range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable erector lenses that can be independently adjusted along the optical axis in each erector system. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to change magnification levels by moving lens elements to different positions, providing a more flexible and potentially simpler mechanical approach compared to fixed systems requiring complex rotation mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If conventional single erector systems are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the zoom ratio is limited to around 10:1 or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate erector systems into a single integrated optical path, where light passes through both the first and second erector systems in sequence. This combining of multiple erector systems within one device allows the achievement of zoom ratios exceeding 10:1 while maintaining a unified, coherent optical structure that preserves image quality and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional erector system that can provide multiple zoom ratios and magnification levels through the coordinated operation of two erector systems. This universal design allows a single device to perform functions that would traditionally require multiple separate devices or complex variable-ratio mechanisms, achieving high zoom capability while maintaining structural efficiency.
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 a higher zoom ratio than conventional devices, allowing a single optical sighting device to function as multiple devices with different magnification settings, maintaining a compact size and reducing mechanical complexity, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a Schmidt-Pechan prism assembly to fold the optical path
Implementation Method 2
two adjacent power-varying lens erector systems
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sighting device having a compound zoom system preferably includes two or more lens erector assemblies that are each adjustable to modify the optical power of the optical sighting device. A prism erector assembly may also be included. An odd number of erector assemblies preferably creates a viewable image that has the same orientation as the real object being viewed through the optical sighting device.