Dual-Axis Rangefinder Alignment Mechanism for Recoil Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounted rangefinders require frequent readjustment due to firearm recoil and transportation, leading to inaccurate distance readings and time inefficiencies during shooting.

Innovation Solution

An alignment mechanism comprising a horizontal adjustment plate and a vertical adjustment plate, both equipped with tension springs, which allow for precise co-alignment of the rangefinder with the firearm's aiming point, maintaining alignment despite recoil and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rangefinder is mounted to a firearm, then the rangefinder can provide distance measurements to targets, but the recoil of the weapon causes the rangefinder aiming point to move from alignment with the weapon's aiming point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidaiming point alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the rangefinder to be dynamically repositioned on the firearm. The mounting system includes adjustment screws and movable brackets that enable the user to realign the rangefinder with the weapon's aiming point after recoil displacement, maintaining accurate alignment through controlled mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting mechanism allows for parameter changes in the rangefinder's position on the firearm. By adjusting the mounting parameters (position, angle, orientation) using threaded fasteners and movable mounting surfaces, the system compensates for recoil-induced displacement and maintains proper alignment between the rangefinder and weapon aim point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the mounted rangefinder is readjusted after each firing, then the alignment accuracy can be maintained, but time is lost away from shooting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidshooting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism is designed to allow preliminary alignment adjustments before shooting sessions begin. The adjustment features enable users to pre-calibrate the rangefinder position to account for expected recoil displacement, reducing the need for frequent adjustments during active shooting and thereby maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the mounted rangefinder is not readjusted prior to firing, then shooting time is maintained, but the rangefinder gives inaccurate readings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshooting efficiencyVSAvoiddistance reading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary alignment of the rangefinder with the weapon's aiming point through an adjustable mounting mechanism before shooting begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that the rangefinder maintains accurate alignment and provides precise distance readings throughout the shooting session without requiring frequent interruptions for realignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 alignment mechanism ensures that the rangefinder remains accurately aligned with the firearm's aiming point, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and improving the reliability of distance readings.

Implementation Method 1

a tension spring secured to the rear portion opposite the first alignment surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250052538A1Alignment Mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 SHELTERED WINGS INC D B A VORTEX OPTICS
  • US20250052538A1 patent drawing
  • US20250052538A1 patent drawing
  • US20250052538A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An alignment mechanism uses two adjustment plates. A first adjustment plate is pivotal about a first adjustment axis and a second adjustment plate is rotatable about a second adjustment axis. The first and second adjustment axes are perpendicular to one another. The first plate has a front portion through which the first adjustment axis passes and a rear portion having a first alignment surface and a tension spring secured to the rear portion opposite the first alignment surface. The second adjustment plate has a front portion and a rear portion having a second alignment surface and a tension spring secured between the second alignment surface and the rear portion of the first adjustment plate.