Flat-Walled Rifle Scope Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rifle scope designs face challenges in adjusting lens distances for focus at all magnifications due to limited space, often requiring thinner materials that are not ideal for durability, and struggle with mounting on flat surfaces without obstructing controls.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a longitudinal base plate and mating closure housing pieces allows for a straight-walled scope design with increased space for optical assemblies, including a zoom assembly and elevation adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for mounting rings and enabling stronger construction and easier focus adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a standard tube housing scope is used, then the scope can be manufactured with round transverse section, but there is insufficient space for optical assemblies and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The scope housing is divided into multiple segments: a first housing portion supporting the optical train and a second housing portion containing adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function, providing adequate space for both optical assemblies and adjustment mechanisms without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional round tube housing to a flat-walled housing with longitudinal and transverse portions. This dimensional change allows for increased internal volume in the longitudinal direction while maintaining a compact transverse profile, effectively solving the space constraint problem.
2Strength
If thinner walled materials are used in standard tube housing scopes, then there is space for inner workings, but durability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the housing into distinct portions, the patent allows the first housing portion to have greater wall thickness for durability and recoil resistance, while the second housing portion can accommodate adjustment mechanisms. This segmentation enables different wall thickness requirements to be met in different locations without compromising overall structural integrity or functional space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a round tube housing is used, then manufacturing is facilitated by lathe production, but adjustment of lens distances becomes challenging due to lack of space
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a first portion for optical components and a second portion for adjustment mechanisms. This allows the optical train to be mounted in the first portion with adequate adjustment space in the second portion, making lens distance adjustment easier while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the segmented housing architecture) that mediates between the optical train and adjustment mechanisms, allowing independent optimization of both manufacturing ease and adjustability without direct conflict between the two requirements.
4Ease of operation
If actuator is positioned on the bottom of the housing, then unobstructed user view is achieved, but mounting on flat surfaces becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing portion for optical components and a second housing portion for mounting and actuation. This segmentation allows the actuator to be positioned in the second portion away from the optical path, providing unobstructed user view while the first portion can be optimized for flat surface mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of a longitudinal base plate piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the longitudinal base plate and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the longitudinal base plate and the housing piece and base plate are fastened together.