Eye Alignment Assembly Decouples Line of Sight from Tool Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for aligning a user's body with tools, such as bows and golf clubs, are crude and inaccurate, leading to inconsistent performance due to the difficulty in aligning the line of sight with the operating axis/plane of the tool, which affects accuracy and repeatability.
Innovation Solution
An eye alignment assembly that decouples the user's line of sight from the tool's operating axis/plane, using an optical fiber sight point positioned behind alignment indicia on a lens, with an adjustment system allowing for precise alignment in multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the tool to operate as an extension of the user's body without requiring direct alignment of the line of sight with the tool's axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user aligns their line of sight with the operating axis/plane of the tool, then the accuracy and repeatability of the shot or action is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it requires precise and difficult alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of a laser indicator and alignment targets that mediate between the user's line of sight and the tool's operating axis. The laser projects alignment indicators that the user can easily view without requiring precise eye-to-tool alignment, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system (requiring direct line-of-sight alignment with the tool axis) with an electronic/optical system using laser indicators and digital displays. This substitution allows the user to see alignment information without physically aligning their eye with the tool's operating axis, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the user develops skill to make the tool an extension of their body, then the consistency and repeatability of performance is improved, but the learning time and productivity deteriorate due to the extended training period required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides preliminary alignment guidance through laser indicators and alignment targets before the user attempts to make the tool an extension of their body. By pre-establishing visual alignment references, the system accelerates the learning process and reduces the time required to develop consistent performance, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through laser alignment indicators and adjustable alignment targets that provide real-time visual feedback to the user about their positioning relative to the tool's operating axis. This immediate feedback accelerates the learning curve by allowing users to quickly understand and correct their alignment, reducing training time while ensuring consistent performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the eye alignment assembly is fixedly mounted to the tool, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because it cannot be adjusted for different users or techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic adjustability into the eye alignment assembly, allowing the laser indicator and alignment targets to be positioned and oriented according to the specific needs of different users or techniques. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various users while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for parameter changes in the alignment system, including adjustable laser positions, variable alignment target locations, and configurable alignment parameters. These parameter adjustments enable the same assembly to be precisely adapted to different users' body styles and techniques while maintaining high positioning accuracy through controlled adjustment ranges.
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
Provides a precise indication of the user's orientation relative to the tool, allowing for consistent and accurate positioning, thereby improving the learning process and reducing variability in shots or actions, as the user's body and tool align optimally without needing to sight along the tool's axis.
Implementation Method 1
a sight point of an optical fiber positioned a distance behind an alignment indicia on a lens
Data Source
AI summary
An eye alignment assembly for aligning a tool with a user. The eye alignment assembly is mounted to the tool. The eye alignment assembly includes a sight point of an optical fiber positioned a distance behind an alignment indicia on a lens. An adjustment system is provided to reposition the sight point of the optical fiber relative to the alignment indicia on the lens. The eye alignment assembly provides an indication of orientation of the user relative to the tool in at least two degrees of freedom.