Folded Relay Spring for Optical Sight Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sights for firearms lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the reticle assembly and relay assembly to accurately align the magnified target with the firearm barrel, particularly in terms of elevation and windage adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The optical sight incorporates a biasing element with a mounting strap and spring, which exerts a force on the relay assembly, and an adjustment assembly with turrets that cooperate to pivot the reticle and relay assemblies, allowing for precise adjustments of the reticle pattern relative to the firearm barrel, including a unique angle of force application to facilitate accurate windage and elevation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sights use standard adjustment mechanisms, then the structure is simple, but the precision of reticle alignment with the firearm barrel is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment mechanisms where the track tube can be selectively rotated relative to the main tube to adjust the axial position of optical elements, and the reticle assembly can be pivoted relative to the relay assembly. These dynamic adjustments enable precise alignment of the reticle with the firearm barrel while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sight is divided into distinct functional modules: a relay assembly with main tube and track tube for magnification adjustment, and a reticle assembly that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while contributing to overall alignment precision through coordinated adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the optical sight includes magnification adjustment capability, then the versatility is improved, but the complexity of the relay assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track tube serves multiple functions: it provides magnification adjustment through rotation, supports bearings for optical element movement, and incorporates slots that guide the movement of optical elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while providing versatile magnification adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The track tube is nested within the main tube, with the track tube rotatably receiving bearings that support optical elements. This nested configuration allows magnification adjustment mechanisms to be integrated within the existing relay assembly structure rather than adding external components, thus managing complexity.
3Force
If the spring is made longer to provide sufficient biasing force, then the biasing effectiveness is improved, but the space required in the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is formed with a curved or folded configuration rather than a simple linear extension. This curved geometry allows the spring to generate sufficient biasing force while occupying minimal space within the housing, effectively resolving the contradiction between force production and space consumption.
4Power
If the optical elements are positioned further from the objective lens, then the magnification is improved, but the length of the optical sight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing magnification solely by extending the optical path length axially, the patent utilizes angular/rotational dimensions through the track tube rotation mechanism. This allows optical elements to be repositioned to achieve magnification adjustment without proportionally increasing the overall length of the optical sight.
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 configuration enables precise and reliable adjustments for windage and elevation, enhancing the user's ability to align the target accurately, thereby improving the overall aiming precision of the optical sight.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may extend from a radially extending edge surface of the mounting strap and fold-over such that the spring extends back over itself
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sight includes a housing, a relay assembly, and a biasing element. The relay assembly has at least one optical element, a main tube, a track tube with at least one track, and a reticle assembly. The track tube is selectively rotatable relative to and about the main tube to adjust an axial position of the at least one optical element within the main tube along an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main tube. The reticle assembly further includes at least one optical element. The biasing element includes a mounting strap that is fixed to an inner surface of the housing and a spring having an engagement surface that contacts the relay assembly and exerts a force on the relay assembly. The engagement surface is on a radially inner side of the spring opposite a radially outer side facing the mounting strap.