Diopter Adjustment Mechanism With Dual Threads and Jam-Nut Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diopter adjustment mechanisms in viewing optics face challenges with fine thread pitch requiring long adjustment time and difficulty in secure locking, and fast focus adjustments that are prone to self-adjustment due to large pitch, leading to inconsistent focus settings.

Innovation Solution

A diopter adjustment mechanism featuring a first female thread with a trapezoidal profile and a second female thread with a standard V-thread profile, combined with a jam nut, allowing for quick and secure locking of the eyepiece focus, preventing unintended movement during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fine thread pitch is used for diopter adjustment, then the locking tightness is improved, but the adjustment time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking tightnessVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thread structure is segmented into two distinct types: a coarse thread portion for rapid initial adjustment and a fine thread portion for precise final positioning and secure locking. This segmentation allows the user to benefit from both fast adjustment and tight locking without the trade-off that plagues single-thread designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the adjustment mechanism have different thread qualities optimized for different functions. The coarse thread portion provides rapid movement capability, while the fine thread portion provides precise control and secure locking. This local differentiation of thread properties resolves the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If a large thread pitch is used for fast focus adjustment, then the adjustment speed is improved, but the locking security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidlocking security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is divided into two thread sections: a coarse thread section for rapid focus adjustment and a fine thread section with jam nut for secure locking. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both fast adjustment and reliable locking that single-thread designs cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges two previously separate adjustment mechanisms (coarse adjustment and fine adjustment with locking) into a single integrated diopter adjustment mechanism. This combination allows the user to perform both rapid adjustment and secure locking through one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single thread type is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide both fast adjustment and secure locking is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethread structure complexityVSAvoidadjustment functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines two different thread types and their associated functions into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. This merging provides both rapid adjustment and secure locking capabilities in one unified system, enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-thread adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: rapid coarse adjustment, precise fine adjustment, and secure locking. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated structure, making the device versatile without requiring multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3980833B1Diopter adjustment mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 SHELTERED WINGS INC D B A VORTEX OPTICS
  • EP3980833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3980833B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A diopter adjustment mechanism comprises a scope tube with a first female thread and a second female thread. The first female thread has a first pitch and is disposed on the scope tube forming a spiral thread and lands between the spiral threads. The second female thread has a second pitch and is disposed on the lands of the first female thread. A jam nut has a male thread corresponding to and engaging the second female thread.