Digital Firearm Optic Rotary Magnification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital zoom optics for firearms are complex, heavy, and require intricate menus and buttons for operation, making them cumbersome and expensive, while mechanical zoom optics are limited by their size and magnification range.
Innovation Solution
A digital optic system that adjusts magnification by rotating an adjustment ring, converting the rotation into a digital signal to control the zoom, using a detector board with resistor fingers or a magnet board with embedded magnets, allowing for digital zoom without the need for complex menus or large housing space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If digital zoom optics include complex buttons and menus for setting the zoom feature, then the zoom function can be adjusted, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital menus and buttons with a simple mechanical rotary ring that the user physically rotates to adjust magnification. This mechanical interface is detected by sensors (optical, magnetic, or capacitive) and converted to digital zoom commands, eliminating the need for complex button presses and menu navigation while maintaining precise digital control.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary adjustment ring with integrated detection mechanisms allows the system to automatically detect the user's desired magnification level through the physical rotation action, converting it directly into zoom control without requiring the user to navigate complex interfaces or provide multiple inputs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital zoom optics are designed with full digital zoom capability, then the magnification range is improved, but the weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical zoom adjustment (rotating the objective lens) with digital zoom control (detecting ring position and electronically adjusting magnification) into a single unified system. The same rotary ring serves both to mechanically position the lens and to trigger digital zoom levels, consolidating functions that would otherwise require separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary adjustment ring serves multiple functions: it mechanically adjusts the objective lens position for optical zoom, simultaneously acts as an input device for digital zoom selection, and provides tactile feedback to the user. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate controls and reduces overall system weight.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical zoom adjusts the objective lens by moving it within the housing, then the zoom function is achieved, but the housing size and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system that requires large housing space to physically move the objective lens with a detection system that senses the position of a rotary ring and electronically controls digital zoom. This substitution of mechanical movement with electronic control and sensing dramatically reduces the required housing volume while maintaining smooth zoom adjustment.
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
This solution simplifies the user interface, reduces weight and complexity, and enables interchangeable parts, providing a compact and versatile digital zoom capability with ease of use and precise magnification control.
Implementation Method 1
The detector of the example optic may include a resistor board and a detector board. The detector board may have fingers that engage with the resistor board.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor board may include a magnetic field sensor that senses a magnetic field of the plurality of magnets.
Data Source
AI summary
An optic for a firearm includes a housing, an optics train, an adjustment ring, and a detector. The optics train is disposed within the housing and along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The adjustment ring is supported by the housing and configured to adjust a magnification of the optics train. The detector is engaged with the adjustment ring and configured to convert rotation of the adjustment ring into a digital magnification.