Digital Reticle Energy Transfer Indicator for Ballistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sighting systems, such as riflescopes, do not effectively inform shooters about the terminal performance of projectiles, making it difficult to ensure ethical shots, especially at long-range targets, as they lack direct indicators for minimum kinetic energy or speed upon impact.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a reticle with illuminated hold-over points that flash if the calculated terminal performance of the projectile does not meet the shooter's desired level, providing a visual notification to adjust the aim for optimal impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional reticles with crosshairs are used, then the aiming system is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot provide information about terminal performance of projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle is divided into multiple functional segments: traditional crosshairs for basic aiming, illuminated hold-over points for range compensation, and energy transfer indicators for terminal performance assessment. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to provide comprehensive information while maintaining clarity and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a processor, memory, and illumination components. This intermediary processes ballistics data and translates it into visual indicators (illuminated hold-over points and energy transfer indicators) that the shooter can easily interpret, bridging the gap between complex ballistic calculations and simple visual information.
2Loss of information
If mechanical elevation and windage turrets are used for adjustments, then the reticle can be calibrated for different ranges, but the system lacks direct indicators for terminal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by illuminating specific hold-over points and energy transfer indicators based on real-time ballistics calculations. When the projectile's terminal performance meets the desired threshold, the appropriate hold-over point is illuminated to indicate the correct aiming point. This provides immediate visual feedback to the shooter about both range compensation and terminal performance adequacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of terminal performance and range compensation before the shot is taken. The processor pre-determines which hold-over points should be illuminated and which energy transfer indicators should be activated, allowing the shooter to simply read the visual indicators without performing complex calculations or adjustments during the aiming process.
3Measurement precision
If hold-over points are illuminated to indicate range compensation, then aiming accuracy is improved, but the system does not indicate whether terminal performance requirements are met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses different illumination colors or patterns to convey different types of information. Hold-over points may be illuminated in one color to indicate range compensation, while energy transfer indicators use different colors or illumination patterns to indicate whether terminal performance requirements are met. This color-coding system allows the shooter to quickly distinguish between range adjustment information and terminal performance information.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the reticle are assigned different functions with distinct visual characteristics. Hold-over points are positioned and illuminated to provide range compensation information, while energy transfer indicators are positioned in specific locations and illuminated differently to provide terminal performance information. This spatial and visual differentiation allows the shooter to easily distinguish between the two types of information without confusion.
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 enables shooters to make ethical choices by providing a visual, non-numeric reminder of the required adjustments, ensuring the projectile meets the desired terminal performance without needing to remember specific values during the aiming process.
Implementation Method 1
The indicator may include an LED (light emitting diode)
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a digital reticle and an application running on a processor. The digital reticle has an indicator structured to provide a notification signal to a user. The digital reticle is configured to receive a ballistics profile from an electronic ballistics calculator. The application is configured to determine a predicted terminal performance value of the projectile based, at least in part, on the ballistics profile. The application is further configured to receive a user input indicative of a desired terminal performance value for a projectile and to transmit a signal corresponding to the user input. The digital reticle is further configured to receive the signal corresponding to the user input and to activate the indicator when the predicted terminal performance value does not exceed the desired terminal performance value.