Firearm Diopter Sight Single-Actuator Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rear sights for firearms are cumbersome to adjust, especially when shooting in a prone position, as they require operating two separate actuating elements, which can lead to loss of position during adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A diopter design featuring a frame with a common axis for two sliding blocks, where one block can move relative to the other to change distance, allowing vertical adjustment, and simultaneous movement along the axis for horizontal adjustment, with a wedge-shaped extension and inclined plane for stable vertical movement, and a selective entrainment device for intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate actuating elements are provided for horizontal and vertical movement, then the optical unit can be adjusted in both directions, but the operation becomes cumbersome and position can be lost during adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate actuating elements into a single integrated actuating element that controls both horizontal and vertical movement of the optical unit. This single element simultaneously actuates both the horizontal adjustment mechanism and the vertical adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate controls and preventing position loss during adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuating element performs multiple functions by simultaneously controlling both horizontal and vertical adjustment of the optical unit. This multi-functional design allows one element to replace what would traditionally require two separate elements, improving ease of operation while maintaining full adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a compound slide with two actuating elements is used, then both horizontal and vertical adjustment are possible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the compound slide mechanism into a simplified single-element actuation system. Instead of maintaining separate horizontal and vertical adjustment mechanisms with independent actuating elements, the invention uses one actuating element that simultaneously controls both adjustment directions through a unified mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If set screws are used to fix horizontal position, then horizontal positioning is stable, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static set screw fixation with a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows continuous horizontal and vertical movement of the optical unit through a single actuating element. The mechanism provides stable positioning through its mechanical design while enabling rapid adjustment without the need for time-consuming set screw operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easier and more stable adjustment of the optical unit, reducing the risk of losing position during operation and providing a compact, reliable, and intuitive adjustment mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a second sliding block (8) with a wedge-shaped extension (9), which are arranged along a common axis (10)... the optical unit (4) with the viewing opening (5) can be moved vertically relative to the frame (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWedge: Wedge

Implementation Method 2

an inclined plane (12) arranged on the optical unit (4) with the viewing opening (5), which rests on the wedge-shaped extension (9) of the second sliding block (8)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclined plane: Inclined Plane

Data Source

PatentEP3182049B1Diopter for a firearm
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 SCHAFER KARL
  • EP3182049B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3182049B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A diopter sight (1) for a firearm (2), comprising: a frame (3) attachable to the firearm (2), an optical unit (4) with a viewing aperture (5), and an adjusting device (6) for horizontal and vertical movement of the optical unit (4) relative to the frame (3), wherein the adjusting device (6) has a first and second cam block (7, 8) arranged along a common axis (10), wherein the first cam block (7) and the second cam block (8) are selectively (i) movable relative to each other along the common axis (10) via an actuating device (11), such that the distance between the two cam blocks (7, 8) changes, thereby making the optical unit (4) vertically movable relative to the frame (3), or (ii) movable together along the common axis (10) without substantially changing the distance between the two cam blocks (7, 8).which allows the optical unit (4) to be moved horizontally relative to the frame (3).