Dual Field of View Sighting System Using Optical Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sighting systems for rifles face limitations in providing a dual field of view for both close quarter and precision aiming, requiring users to manually switch between modes, which is inconvenient and adds complexity and weight due to external moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A dual field of view sighting system utilizing liquid crystals, flip-polarizers, and flip-mirrors to selectively divert or transmit light along different optical paths, allowing for magnification in one path but not the other, enabling seamless switching between 0× and 4× zoom without external moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating telescope is mounted in front of the red dot sight to enable zoom switching, then the user can switch between close quarter and precision aiming modes, but the device becomes larger, heavier, and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating telescope mechanism with an optical switchable mirror system. Liquid crystal devices or flip-mirrors electronically/optically select between two fixed telescope positions (0x and 4x zoom) without mechanical rotation. This eliminates the need for large external moving parts while maintaining zoom mode switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical path into separate segments for different zoom modes, using switchable mirrors to direct light through different telescope configurations. Instead of a single rotating telescope, the system uses discrete optical paths that can be selectively activated, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating telescope mechanism is used for zoom switching, then the user can change between 0x and 4x zoom, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical rotating telescope components with lightweight optical switching elements (liquid crystals or flip-mirrors). These components have minimal mass compared to mechanical rotation mechanisms, significantly reducing the overall weight of the sighting system while maintaining zoom switching functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the telescope is rotated to switch between zoom modes, then the user can change viewing modes, but the user must let go of the rifle causing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical rotation with an optical switching system that can change zoom modes instantaneously without physical movement. The liquid crystal or flip-mirror switches between optical paths electronically, allowing the user to maintain grip on the rifle while rapidly switching between 0x and 4x zoom modes for immediate target acquisition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating telescope is used, then the user can switch between close quarter and precision aiming modes, but the mechanism adds cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rotating telescope assemblies with simpler optical switching components. Liquid crystal devices and flip-mirrors are less complex and costly to manufacture than precision mechanical rotation mechanisms, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the ability to switch between targeting modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual field of view sighting system uses liquid crystals, flip-polarizers and/or flip-mirrors to select between at least two fields of view.