Firearm Scope Alignment Tool Using Laser Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reticles in optical scopes for firearms often become misaligned due to recoil, manufacturing defects, or environmental factors like shock and vibration, making it difficult for users to recognize and correct misalignment, especially at longer distances, which affects the accuracy of the firearm.
Innovation Solution
An alignment tool that includes a support securely attachable to a firearm's rail and a laser line generator, which projects a line with a known geometric relationship to the rail, allowing the reticle to be aligned with the line, enabling precise alignment of the reticle with the firearm's axis without requiring the firearm to be leveled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reticle is mounted inside the scope tube, then the scope can be compact and easy to handle, but the reticle becomes misaligned due to recoil, shock, or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment reference system consisting of a reference object with known geometric relationships to the rail and a reference reticle. This intermediary system allows the user to detect and correct reticle alignment without disassembling the scope or requiring complex alignment tools, thereby maintaining compactness while ensuring alignment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the alignment reference in the form of a reference reticle that replicates the geometric relationship to the rail. By comparing the actual reticle position against this reference copy, users can identify misalignment caused by recoil or shock without needing to access the internal mounting structure.
2Strength
If the scope is mounted to the rail, then the scope is securely positioned, but the scope may move within its mount due to shock or vibration during firing and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the alignment tool provides visual reference information about the scope's position relative to the rail. The reference object and reference reticle create a measurable reference frame that allows detection of scope movement or misalignment, enabling users to correct positioning issues after they occur.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reticle position is adjusted for windage or elevation, then the scope can be calibrated for different shooting conditions, but manufacturing defects may cause inconsistent position throughout adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment verification into discrete segments by providing reference marks at specific positions along the adjustment range. The reference object with its known geometric relationships to the rail creates multiple verifiable alignment points, allowing users to check consistency across the entire adjustment range rather than relying on a single alignment point.
4Measurement precision
If misalignment occurs at longer distances, then the accuracy error increases, but there are no reference points for the user to recognize the misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference system that brings the alignment reference close to the user and scope assembly. The reference object with known geometric relationships to the rail serves as a tangible intermediary that makes misalignment visible and measurable, eliminating the need for complex measurement procedures or specialized equipment.
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 alignment tool ensures accurate and repeatable alignment of reticles with the firearm's rail, improving shooting accuracy by providing a standard reference for alignment, even when the firearm is canted or on its side, and allowing for adjustments throughout the range of windage and elevation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a laser line generator adjustably positionably attached to the support. The laser line generator may project a line having a known geometric relationship to the rail
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment tool for alignment of a scope mounted to a rail of a firearm is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the alignment tool includes a support removably securable to a rail of a firearm, and a laser line generator adjustably positionably attached to the support. The laser line generator may project a line having a known geometric relationship to the rail, and a reticle of the scope mounted to the rail may be aligned with the line. Related methods of use are disclosed herein.