Gobo Projection Targeting Device with Adjustable Lens Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gobo projectors do not allow for dual functionality as a flashlight and a firearm aiming device, and existing illumination solutions for firearms either fail to indicate the point of impact or do not provide clear illumination of the target and its surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A gobo projection targeting device with a frame, light source, and adjustable lens assembly that projects a focused image on a target, allowing for adjustable illumination fields and aiming points, utilizing a ball and socket mechanism and set screws for precise alignment with the firearm's barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is used to illuminate the target, then the target and surroundings are clearly visible, but the point of impact is not indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a flashlight illumination device with a laser aiming device into a single integrated unit. The flashlight provides broad area illumination while the laser simultaneously indicates the point of impact, resolving the contradiction by merging two separate functions into one device that delivers both capabilities concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: illumination, point of impact indication, and dual-purpose operation. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace both a flashlight and a laser aimer, providing comprehensive targeting capability in low-light conditions.
2Loss of information
If a laser is used to indicate the point of impact, then the impact point is clearly marked, but the target and surrounding area are not clearly illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a laser indicator and flashlight illuminator into one device, allowing simultaneous operation of both components. The laser provides precise point of impact marking while the flashlight concurrently illuminates the broader target area, eliminating the need to choose between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both laser aiming and flashlight illumination capabilities. This allows the user to obtain both point-specific indication and area-wide illumination from a single device, satisfying both requirements simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If the gobo image is focused for precise aiming, then the aiming point is sharp and clear, but the device cannot function as a flashlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a focusable lens system that allows the user to dynamically adjust the gobo image focus. By moving the lens forward or backward, the user can switch between a focused aiming mode (for precision) and an unfocused illumination mode (for flashlight functionality), enabling the device to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves dual-purpose functionality through a focusable optical system. When focused, it provides precise aiming; when unfocused, it provides broad illumination. This dynamic focus capability allows the single device to perform both aiming and flashlight functions effectively.
4Device complexity
If conventional gobo projectors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device lacks dual-purpose functionality and precision alignment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the conventional gobo projector by integrating multiple functions: a focusable lens for dual-purpose operation (aiming and illumination), a laser indicator for point of impact marking, and an adjustable mounting system for precision alignment. These additions provide dual-purpose functionality while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into functional modules: the gobo projection system, the laser aiming module, the flashlight illuminator, and the adjustable mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall dual-purpose capability of the integrated device.
5Ease of operation
If the lens assembly is fixed for easy operation, then the device is simple to use, but the device cannot be precisely aligned with the firearm barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable elements that allow the lens assembly and gobo to be positioned and angled relative to the firearm barrel. Once aligned, the adjustments can be locked in place, providing both precision alignment capability and ease of operation during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes adjustment mechanisms that allow preliminary alignment of the gobo image with the point of impact at a specific distance. This preliminary action of zeroing the device ensures accurate alignment before actual use, combining precision adjustment capability with ease of operation.
6Measurement precision
If the gobo is positioned at the focal point for sharp image projection, then the aiming point is clear, but the illumination area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The focusable lens allows dynamic adjustment between focused and unfocused states. When focused, the gobo image is sharp for precise aiming; when unfocused, the light spreads to provide broader illumination. This dynamic focus mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to switch between the two modes as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves multi-functionality through the focusable optical system, which enables both sharp image projection for aiming and broad area illumination when unfocused. This single optical mechanism serves dual purposes, providing both clear aiming points and extensive illumination coverage.
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 clear illumination of the target and its surroundings while indicating the point of impact, allowing for precise aiming and faster user recovery from the flash of a discharged firearm compared to laser aiming devices.
Implementation Method 1
light rays from the light source are reflected through the gobo and towards the optical assembly that projects the image
Implementation Method 2
the optical lens focuses light rays
Implementation Method 3
light rays from the light source are reflected through the gobo
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm aiming illuminators have a frame, a light source, a lens assembly associated with the light source, the lens assembly operable to generate a broad illumination field and to project an aiming point on a target, and the lens assembly having an aiming facility adjustably connecting the lens assembly to the frame and operable to adjust the position of the aiming point relative to the frame. The adjustment facility may include a ball and socket mechanism with the ball on the lens assembly and the frame defining a socket. The adjustment facility may include a pair of first and set screws connected to the frame and operably contacting the lens assembly, each set screw associated with a different aiming axis. The set screws may each define a respective rotation axis, and the rotation axes may be parallel to each other.