Dot Sight Beam Splitter Parallax Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dot-sighting devices face challenges in minimizing parallax between the optical axis of the barrel and the reflective mirror, leading to increased device size and potential exposure of the user's position due to reflected light.
Innovation Solution
A compact dot sighting device design featuring a housing with a beam splitter and a reflective element, where the optical axis of the dot reticle generating unit is aligned with the reflective mirror, and a beam splitter with an antireflective treatment to prevent dot reticle beams from being reflected towards the target, reducing parallax and maintaining a natural field of vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical axis of the reflective mirror is inclined to the optical axis of the barrel, then the device can be more compact, but the parallax increases beyond allowable limits
Solution Approach 1:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the dot reticle generating unit and the reflective mirror. The beam splitter redirects the optical path, allowing the reflective mirror to be positioned at an angle to the barrel axis while maintaining proper alignment of the dot reticle with the target. This intermediary component enables compact device geometry without compromising measurement precision or introducing excessive parallax.
2Measurement precision
If the optical axis of the reflective mirror is aligned with the optical axis of the barrel, then the parallax is minimized, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is redirected into a different spatial dimension by using the beam splitter at an angular orientation. Instead of extending the device lengthwise to achieve proper alignment, the beam splitter folds the optical path sideways, allowing the reflective mirror to be positioned perpendicular or at an angle to the barrel axis. This dimensional reconfiguration minimizes parallax while maintaining a compact device footprint.
3Illumination intensity
If the reflective mirror reflects dot reticle beams, then the dot reticle is visible to the user, but the user's position is exposed to opponents
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter is designed with selective optical properties that allow it to transmit dot reticle light while reflecting or absorbing ambient light from the user's position. By applying different optical characteristics to different portions or aspects of the optical system, the beam splitter enables the dot reticle to remain visible to the user through the reflective mirror while preventing the user's position from being detected by opponents observing reflected light.
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 reduces parallax, allows for a more compact device, and prevents the user's position from being exposed by minimizing light reflection towards the target, enhancing visibility and concealment.
Implementation Method 1
The beam splitter includes a surface that reflects at least a portion of the first light component of the light and transmits at least a portion of a second light component
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter includes a surface that reflects at least a portion of the first light component of the light and transmits at least a portion of a second light component
Implementation Method 3
The reflective element reflects at least a portion of the light incident on the reflective element
Implementation Method 4
a beam splitter with an antireflective treatment to prevent dot reticle beams from being reflected towards the target
Data Source
AI summary
A dot sighting device includes a housing, a light source, a beam splitter and a reflective element. The housing has a first opening and a second opening. A first axis is defined from the first opening to the second opening. The light source emits light. The beam splitter includes a surface that reflects at least a portion of a first light component and transmits at least a portion of a second light component. The second light component is defined as light that enters the housing through the first opening.