Diffractive Reticle Aiming Point for Fiber-Free Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing view-through optics face challenges in providing a highly visible illuminated center aiming point in all lighting conditions due to the minimum size requirements of optical fiber technology, which prohibits its use in the first focal plane and may block features in the second focal plane, and traditional optical fiber technology in the second focal plane does not allow for free floating aiming features.

Innovation Solution

A viewing optic system utilizing a remote light source aimed at a diffraction grating etched onto a glass substrate, with a light source optically attached to a coupling optical element to illuminate the diffractive structure, allowing for an illuminated aiming point viewable through the optical path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If optical fiber technology is used to provide an illuminated aiming point, then the aiming point is visible, but the fiber size blocks features in the first focal plane when used in the first focal plane

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaiming point visibilityVSAvoidblockage of reticle features

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a diffractive optical element (DOE) as an intermediary component that couples light from a remote source to the aiming point location. The DOE acts as a mediator that transfers illumination without requiring a physical fiber to extend into the focal plane, thus maintaining visibility while eliminating blockage of reticle features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical optical fiber system with an optical field-based solution using diffractive optics. Instead of physically transporting light through a fiber to the focal plane, the system uses a DOE to diffract and redirect light from a remote source, substituting a mechanical connection with an optical field manipulation approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Illumination intensity

If optical fiber technology is used in the second focal plane, then the aiming point is illuminated, but free floating aiming features cannot be implemented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaiming point visibilityVSAvoidfree floating aiming capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the illumination function from the aiming point display function. The light source is separated and positioned remotely, while the DOE at the focal plane only needs to diffract light to create the aiming point image. This segmentation allows the aiming point to be independently positioned and made 'free floating' without being constrained by fiber routing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DOE serves as an intermediary that decouples the light source from the aiming point location. By using the DOE to mediate the light transfer, the system gains flexibility in positioning the aiming point independently of the light source location, enabling free floating aiming features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If traditional optical fiber technology is used, then an illuminated aiming point can be provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaiming point visibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical fiber optic assembly with a simpler optical system using a DOE and remote light source. The DOE can be manufactured as a thin film or coating on a substrate, eliminating the need for precise fiber routing, connectors, and alignment mechanisms required by traditional fiber optic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The DOE creates an optical copy or image of the light source at the aiming point location without requiring physical transport of light through a fiber. This copying mechanism through diffraction simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for physical fiber connections while maintaining the illuminated aiming point function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 system provides a highly visible illuminated aiming point in all lighting conditions, reduces manufacturing costs, and improves battery life while maintaining clear visibility of optical features.

Implementation Method 1

a diffractive structure disposed on the reticle such that light produced by the light source passes through the coupling optical element and illuminates the diffractive structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

the light source and coupling optical element are positioned to illuminate the diffractive structure through total internal reflection within the reticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250321081A1Illuminated reticle aiming point

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 SHELTERED WINGS INC D B A VORTEX OPTICS

AI summary

A system for illuminating a reticle in a field of view of a view-through optic. The system includes a light source, a coupling optical element, and a diffractive surface illuminated by the light produced by the light source.