Firearm Sight With Embedded Fiber Optic Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional firearm sights, such as iron sights and telescopic sights, face issues like obscuring the target view, weight addition, elevated line of sight, and power source reliability, which hinder accurate and rapid targeting.
Innovation Solution
A passively illuminated, non-telescopic sight using a transparent lens with a removable fiber optic rod embedded within a metal ring, allowing for adjustable mounting and tool-free component replacement, maintaining a low profile and unobstructed target view without the need for a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional iron sights with post front sight are used, then the firearm can be accurately shot with practice, but the front sight covers the target, obscures the field of view, and confuses point of aim
Solution Approach 1:
The front sight is segmented into a separate adjustment mechanism independent from the rear sight, allowing precise alignment without requiring the shooter's head to be in a fixed position, thus maintaining full field of view while achieving accurate aim point alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The sighting system transitions from a two-dimensional post alignment method to a three-dimensional adjustment system with elevation and windage controls, enabling precise target acquisition without obscuring the target area, as the aim point can be adjusted vertically and horizontally without blocking the view
2Ease of operation
If telescopic sights with magnification are used, then the view of the target is magnified and alignment of two sights is not necessary, but the sight raises the line of sight higher and farther away from the firearm barrel bore axis
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic sight system uses an optical reticle that creates a virtual image of the aim point at the same height as the bore axis, effectively copying the alignment function without physically raising the sight mechanism, thus maintaining ease of operation while avoiding the line of sight elevation problem
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle is nested within the telescopic tube, allowing the optical magnification and aim point projection functions to be integrated in a compact configuration that does not require external mounting that would raise the line of sight
3Ease of operation
If telescopic sights are mounted above the breech end, then sight alignment is simplified, but the weight of the telescope and mount adds to the firearm and requires replacement of the standard stock
Solution Approach 1:
The complex telescopic sight mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified optical reticle system that provides the same alignment function without the weight and stock modification requirements, maintaining ease of operation while reducing overall firearm weight
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying a heavy telescopic sight to the entire firearm, the solution applies a localized, lightweight optical reticle at the critical sighting point, providing the necessary alignment function without adding significant weight or requiring stock replacement
4Ease of operation
If battery-powered red dot sights are used, then a dot or reticle replaces traditional iron sights and facilitates aiming, but the device is susceptible to loss of power due to battery expiration, damage, or wear-and-tear
Solution Approach 1:
The optical reticle system is self-powered through passive optical elements that do not require external power sources, eliminating battery-related reliability issues while maintaining ease of operation for aiming facilitation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, passive optical components that have no consumable parts or power sources to fail, effectively replacing the battery-dependent red dot sight with a more reliable, maintenance-free optical system
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 quick, accurate, and rapid aiming with minimal weight and line of sight elevation, retaining peripheral vision and allowing for easy maintenance and adaptation to various light conditions, while avoiding power source reliability issues.
Implementation Method 1
a passively illuminated, non-telescopic sight using a transparent lens with a removable fiber optic rod
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm sight comprising a generally circular sight support ring surrounding and removably holding an optically clear generally circular lens, said lens having a cylindrical shape, front and back faces, a diameter greater than the thickness of the lens, and a scintillating fiber optic member centrally embedded within said circular lens, a means for mounting said circular sight support ring to a firearm, and a means of adjusting said circular support ring in relation to said means for mounting said ring to a firearm.