Fiber Optic Reticle Illumination for Daylight Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reticle technologies in viewing optics face challenges with illumination in bright daylight situations and alignment issues between dual focal plane reticles, with glass etched reticles being insufficiently bright and optic fiber solutions being limited to second focal plane and obstructive.
Innovation Solution
A viewing optic system with a fiber optic reticle coupled to a transparent substrate, providing illumination and alignment with both first and second focal plane capabilities, using a wire reticle or electroformed foil with fiber optic illumination integrated into the glass etched reticle pattern, ensuring visibility in bright daylight and maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If glass etched reticles are used, then the reticle pattern can be etched into glass substrate, but the reticle is insufficiently bright in daylight situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines glass etching technology with fiber optic material to create a composite reticle structure. The glass substrate provides the etched reticle pattern while the fiber optic material provides bright illumination in daylight conditions, resolving the contradiction between brightness and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameter by introducing fiber optic material that can transmit and emit light effectively in daylight conditions, transforming the reticle from insufficiently bright to brightly illuminated without fundamentally changing the glass etching manufacturing process.
2Illumination intensity
If optic fiber illumination is used, then bright illumination is achieved, but the solution is limited to second focal plane and becomes obstructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fiber optic illumination system universal by adapting it to work with both first and second focal plane reticles. The illumination method becomes multi-functional, eliminating the limitation to only second focal plane application and allowing shooters to use bright illuminated reticles regardless of focal plane preference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual focal plane reticles are used, then both first and second focal plane capabilities are provided, but alignment issues occur between the reticles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment reference system by providing alignment marks on both the first focal plane reticle and second focal plane reticle. These marks enable precise alignment between the two reticles during manufacturing and assembly, resolving the alignment issues that occur in dual focal plane configurations.
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 both focal planes, enhancing visibility in daylight and maintaining alignment, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A viewing optic system with a fiber optic reticle coupled to a transparent substrate, providing illumination and alignment with both first and second focal plane capabilities
Implementation Method 2
A viewing optic system with a fiber optic reticle coupled to a transparent substrate, providing illumination and alignment with both first and second focal plane capabilities
Data Source
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.