Firearm Optical Sight Reticle with Directional Misalignment Cues
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sights for firearms, particularly in close quarter combat scenarios, often lose the reticle from view when the firearm is misaligned, requiring additional time to realign, especially in low light conditions, due to the reticle exiting the field of view with even slight misalignments.
Innovation Solution
An optical sight with a reticle comprising aiming marks and non-aiming marks, where the non-aiming marks are outside the field of view when aligned, entering to guide the user back to the intended sight picture, providing visual cues for misalignment and direction of adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reticle is positioned within the field of view for accurate aiming, then aiming precision is improved, but the reticle is easily lost from view during misalignment in dynamic combat scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle is segmented into multiple functional components: a central aiming mark for precision aiming, and surrounding non-aiming marks that serve as alignment guides. When the firearm is misaligned, the non-aiming marks remain visible within the field of view to guide the shooter back to proper alignment, while the central aiming mark provides precise targeting when aligned. This segmentation allows different parts of the reticle to serve different functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-aiming marks act as intermediary elements between the central aiming mark and the field of view boundaries. These intermediate marks provide visual cues that mediate the transition from misaligned to aligned states, guiding the shooter's adjustments without obstructing the central aiming function. They serve as a visual bridge that helps maintain situational awareness during dynamic movement.
2Ease of operation
If the reticle size is increased to improve visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the field of view is reduced and the reticle is more easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle area is segmented into a small central aiming mark and larger peripheral non-aiming marks. The central mark remains small to preserve field of view and allow rapid target acquisition, while the peripheral marks are larger and positioned to remain visible during typical misalignment angles, providing visual guidance without requiring the entire reticle to be large.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the reticle have different sizes and visual properties optimized for their specific functions. The central aiming mark is small and precise for accurate targeting, while the non-aiming marks are larger and more prominent for visibility and alignment guidance. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its properties for its intended purpose without compromising the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If the reticle is positioned at the center for accurate aiming, then aiming precision is improved, but the reticle exits the field of view quickly during misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The non-aiming marks are pre-positioned in locations that will remain visible during anticipated misalignment scenarios. Before misalignment occurs, these marks are strategically placed within the field of view boundaries to ensure they remain visible when the firearm is canted or moved, providing immediate visual feedback without requiring the shooter to search for the reticle.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-aiming marks provide continuous visual feedback about the degree and direction of misalignment. When the firearm is canted, these marks shift position within the field of view, giving the shooter immediate feedback about the extent of misalignment and the direction needed to correct it, enabling rapid reacquisition of the proper sight picture.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to an optical sight for a firearm comprising a reticle operationally configured to visually inform a user when the optical sight is misaligned from an intended target and operationally configured to visually inform the user as to the direction of misalignment.