Dual-Thread Diopter Adjustment Mechanism for Fast Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diopter adjustment mechanisms face challenges in balancing quick adjustment with secure locking, particularly in viewing optics like rifle scopes, where fine threads are slow to adjust and large pitch threads are difficult to lock securely.
Innovation Solution
The proposed diopter adjustment mechanism incorporates a scope tube with a first female thread of a larger pitch and a second female thread of a finer pitch on the lands of the first thread, along with a jam nut that securely locks the adjustment in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fine thread pitch is used for diopter adjustment, then the adjustment can be locked tightly with a jam nut, but it takes a long time for the user to reach the desired setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single thread system into two separate thread systems: a first female thread with fine pitch for secure locking, and a second female thread with coarse pitch for rapid adjustment. The jam nut engages only the fine pitch thread to lock the eyepiece position, while the eyepiece can be quickly rotated on the coarse pitch thread for adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between locking stability and adjustment speed
Solution Approach 2:
The jam nut acts as an intermediary component that selectively engages the fine pitch thread to provide locking force, while allowing the eyepiece to independently rotate on the coarse pitch thread for quick adjustments. This intermediary mechanism enables the two conflicting requirements to coexist without interfering with each other
2Loss of time
If a large pitch thread is used for fast focus adjustment, then adjustments can be made quickly, but it is difficult to securely lock the adjustment in place and it will self-adjust when bumped or fired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the adjustment and locking functions into two distinct thread systems: the coarse pitch thread enables rapid eyepiece rotation for quick focus adjustment, while the fine pitch thread provides secure locking when engaged by the jam nut. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both fast adjustment and reliable locking simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: during adjustment, the eyepiece rotates freely on the coarse pitch thread for quick positioning; during locking, the jam nut engages the fine pitch thread to prevent movement. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between speed and stability
Data Source
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. The pitch of the first female thread is greater than the pitch of the second female thread.