Gobo Projection Targeting Device with Movable Lens Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gobo projectors and flashlight or laser attachments to firearms do not effectively project a focused image on a target, failing to indicate the relative point of impact and provide clear illumination of both the target and its surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A gobo projection targeting device with a movable lens assembly comprising a collimating lens and a focusing lens, where the focusing lens has a smaller diameter than the collimating lens, allowing for adjustable illumination patterns and image projection, enabling the device to function as both a flashlight and a targeting aid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is used to illuminate a target, then the target and surroundings are visible, but the relative point of impact of a fired round is not indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a flashlight illumination function with a gobo projection targeting function into a single integrated device. The light source serves dual purposes: providing general illumination through the lens assembly and projecting a focused aiming pattern through the gobo, thereby simultaneously achieving target visibility and point of impact indication
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by enabling the same optical system to perform both illumination and targeting functions. The lens assembly can focus light for general illumination while the gobo creates a superimposed aiming pattern, allowing the device to serve as both a flashlight and a laser-like targeting aid
2Loss of information
If a laser is attached to a firearm to project a dot on a target, then the relative point of impact is indicated, but the user cannot clearly see the target and surrounding area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser-like targeting function with a flashlight illumination system. The gobo projection provides a focused aiming pattern while the same light source, when focused differently, provides broad illumination of the target and surroundings, eliminating the need for separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly is made movable relative to the light source, allowing dynamic adjustment between two focal positions: one for projecting a sharp aiming pattern and another for providing broad illumination. This dynamic focusing capability enables the device to switch between targeting and illumination modes
3Loss of information
If a gobo projector is used to project an image on a target, then the aiming pattern is visible, but the device cannot function as a flashlight when the image is out of focus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable lens assembly that can be positioned at different distances from the light source. When the lens is at one position, it projects a focused gobo image for aiming; when moved to another position, it provides broad illumination for flashlight use, enabling dual functionality from a single device
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 device provides a focused image on a target, allowing users to accurately align shots while maintaining visibility of the target and its surroundings, with adjustable illumination patterns and faster recovery from firearm discharge flash compared to laser aiming devices.
Implementation Method 1
a lens assembly associated with the light source, the lens assembly having a first element, a second element, and an aiming figure... the second element having a smaller diameter than the beam angle of the first element, such that a first portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will bypass the second element and a second portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will not bypass the second element. The second element may be adapted to generate an image of the aiming figure away from the illuminator.
Data Source
AI summary
Gobo projection targeting devices have a light source, a lens assembly associated with the light source, the lens assembly having a first element, a second element, and an aiming figure, the first element being closer to the light source, and the second element having a smaller diameter than the first element, such that a first portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will bypass the second element and a second portion of light emitted by the light source and transmitted by the first element will not bypass the second element. The first and second elements may each be converging lenses. The second element may be adapted to generate an image of the aiming figure away from the illuminator. The first portion of light may be a field illumination pattern lacking a focused image. The lens assembly may be movable.