Concentric Collocated Aiming Device Dichroic Mirror Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm aiming modules face challenges in achieving accurate alignment and collocation of discrete laser diodes emitting different wavelengths, leading to reduced aiming accuracy and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A concentric collocated aiming device that orthogonally mounts two laser modules with different wavelengths, utilizing a dichroic mirror to achieve coalignment of the laser beams at a common point, thereby simplifying the alignment process and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete laser diodes of different wavelengths are used in existing aiming modules, then multiple wavelengths can be emitted, but the beams are separated by coplanar distances ranging from millimeters to centimeters which reduces aiming accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from coplanar laser arrangement to a three-dimensional concentric configuration. Multiple laser diodes are positioned at different spatial locations but oriented to emit from a common point in space, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve beam convergence without coplanar separation.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements such as lenses and mirrors serve as intermediaries to redirect and converge laser beams from different diodes to a common emission point. These optical components mediate the path of each wavelength-specific laser to achieve precise collocation at the target.
2Manufacturing precision
If discrete laser diodes are positioned close to the same point for two different wavelengths, then aiming accuracy improves, but the coalignment during manufacturing becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming module is divided into independent laser diode assemblies, each responsible for a specific wavelength. Each assembly includes its own optical elements and mounting structure, allowing independent alignment and adjustment without requiring complex coordination between all components simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Laser diodes and their optical elements are pre-aligned and collocated during the manufacturing process before final assembly. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the module is installed on the firearm, the beams are already converged to the common point, simplifying field installation and reducing on-site adjustment requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing aiming modules use coplanar laser arrangement, then manufacturing is simpler, but significant displacement occurs at normal working distance between the two lasers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric spatial arrangement of laser diodes and optical elements rather than a symmetric coplanar configuration. This asymmetric positioning allows each laser to be optimized for its specific wavelength while converging to a common point, achieving both manufacturing feasibility and precision beam convergence.
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 solution enables precise alignment of laser beams from discrete diodes of different wavelengths, significantly improving aiming accuracy and simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the coplanar separation distance between the beams to less than 100 microns.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dichroic mirror to achieve coalignment of the laser beams at a common point
Data Source
AI summary
A concentric collocated aiming device includes a prismatic hollow body, a dichroic mirror, a ball-and-socket attachment mechanism, a first electromagnetic (EM) radiation emission module, and a second EM radiation emission module. The dichroic mirror is angularly positioned within the prismatic hollow body so that a first light beam from the first EM radiation emission module is able to reflect about the dichroic mirror, and a second light beam from the second EM radiation emission module is able to transmit through the dichroic mirror. The first light beam and the second light beam are then able to exit the prismatic hollow body thus achieving the coalignment of dots at an operational distance. The ball-and-socket attachment mechanism functions as the mounting mechanism of the prismatic hollow body to allow 360-degree freedom of movement.