Dual-Illumination Optical Sight for Daylight and Low-Light Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sights for weapons often rely on either electric power-driven or physical process-driven light sources, with each having limitations such as insufficient brightness in certain lighting conditions or decay over time, limiting their adaptability and visibility.
Innovation Solution
A dual illumination system combining electric and physical process-driven light sources, allowing for simultaneous or switchable operation, with adjustable light density and multiple light sources to enhance visibility across varying lighting conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an electric power driven light source is used, then the aiming mark is sufficiently illuminated in bright daylight conditions, but the system cannot effectively illuminate aiming marks in lowest light conditions without over lighting the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different light source systems (electric power driven LED and physical process driven GTLS) into a single optical sight device. The LED provides high intensity illumination for daytime conditions, while the GTLS provides low intensity illumination for nighttime conditions, allowing the device to adapt to various lighting environments effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sight is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both LED and GTLS light sources. The same device can switch between high brightness mode (LED) for daytime use and low brightness mode (GTLS) for nighttime use, making it universally applicable across different lighting conditions without requiring separate devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If a physical process driven light source such as GTLS is used, then the aiming mark is illuminated in lowest light conditions, but the intensity diminishes over time due to decay
Solution Approach 1:
By merging GTLS and LED systems, the patent ensures that the GTLS can operate in low light conditions while the LED serves as a reliable backup or supplement. When GTLS intensity diminishes over time, the LED can compensate to maintain adequate illumination, thereby improving overall reliability
3Illumination intensity
If a physical process driven light source is used, then the aiming mark is illuminated in lowest light conditions, but it is difficult to demonstrate the system in daylight conditions due to low brightness level
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of GTLS and LED allows the device to switch between light sources based on ambient lighting conditions. In daylight, the high brightness LED makes the aiming mark visible, while in low light conditions, the GTLS provides sufficient illumination without over lighting, thus achieving visibility across all lighting conditions
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 dual illumination system provides improved visibility and adaptability by leveraging the strengths of both light source types, ensuring clear aiming marks in both bright and low-light conditions, enhancing the optical sight's performance.
Implementation Method 1
an LED as the light source
Implementation Method 2
by means of a physical process such as phosphorescence
Implementation Method 3
by example but not exclusively gaseous tritium (GTLS/gaseous tritium light source)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sight for a firearm can be provided with multiple light sources for illuminating one or more aiming marks on the sight. The light sources may be multiple LEDs, e.g. of different colors that can provide illumination in different lighting conditions. The lights sources may also be physical process driven light sources, such as a Gaseous Tritium Light Source (GTLS). A combination of LEDs and GTLS may also be used. The light sources may be disposed at multiple focal points of a multi-lens system. Alternatively, a selector may be used to selectively locate one of the light sources at the focal point of a single lens system. The optical sight may be a reflex sight, e.g. for a handgun, or may be a riflescope for a rifle.