Fiber Optic Reticle Illumination for Daylight Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reticle technologies in viewing optics face challenges such as inadequate illumination in bright daylight, misalignment issues, and limited flexibility in focal plane placement, particularly for glass etched reticles, which affect accuracy and usability in varying light conditions and magnification settings.
Innovation Solution
A viewing optic system that combines a transparent substrate with a glass etched reticle and a fiber optic wire reticle, where the fiber optic wire reticle is coupled to the transparent substrate, providing a complete and aligned marking pattern with daylight bright illumination, and can be placed in either the first or second focal plane, using a fiber optic wire reticle with a 45° or 90° bend to ensure visibility and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass etched reticles with reflective powder (titanium dioxide or sodium silicate) are used to illuminate reticle features, then the reticle is visible in low light situations, but the illumination is insufficient in bright daylight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fiber optic wires as an intermediary medium between the light source (LED) and the reticle features. The fiber optic wires transmit light directly to the reticle markings, acting as a mediator that delivers intense illumination capable of overcoming bright daylight conditions, unlike the previous direct reflection method from edge-mounted LEDs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of edge-mounted LEDs reflecting light off reflective powder with a fiber optic light transmission system. This substitution enables direct light delivery to the reticle features through the fiber optic wires, achieving superior illumination intensity that works in both low light and bright daylight conditions
2Measurement precision
If first focal plane reticles are used, then measurement marks remain accurate at any magnification setting, but the reticle lines become too thick to see small targets at high magnification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the reticle system. The reticle features are illuminated with intense light through fiber optic wires, creating high contrast that allows thin lines to remain visible. This local enhancement of illumination quality enables the reticle to maintain both measurement accuracy and visibility of small targets simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If second focal plane reticles are used, then reticle line thickness remains consistent across magnification settings, but measurement marks become inaccurate at magnification settings other than the designed setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reticle system that functions effectively across multiple magnification settings. The fiber optic illumination system provides consistent brightness regardless of magnification, while the first focal plane placement ensures measurement marks remain accurate at any zoom level, giving the system universal applicability
4Adaptability or versatility
If dual focal plane reticles with multiple markings are used, then comprehensive aiming and measurement information is provided, but alignment between reticles becomes extremely challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first focal plane reticle and second focal plane reticle into a single integrated reticle assembly. Both sets of markings are placed on the same substrate and illuminated together by the fiber optic system, ensuring they remain perfectly aligned and eliminating the alignment problems associated with separate reticle assemblies
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 system achieves bright and consistent reticle illumination in daylight, maintains alignment, and ensures accurate markings across different magnification settings, addressing the limitations of traditional glass etched and fiber optic reticle technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A viewing optic system that combines a transparent substrate with a glass etched reticle and a fiber optic wire reticle
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to viewing optics, and in particular, a reticle system for a viewing optic. A reticle system having a fiber optic reticle coupled to a transparent substrate reticle in either the first or second focal plane is disclosed. The reticle system disclosed herein is visible in bright daylight and also has the desired floating features in the field of view, including numbers and other markings.