Illuminated Reflective Sight with Segmented Dots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflex sights for archery bows and firearms are limited by obscuring large target areas at longer ranges, being marginally visible in bright daylight, too bright in low light conditions, and requiring adjustment for varying target distances, which hampers quick target alignment.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated sighting device with a reflective surface and multiple light emitting elements projecting separate sight dots, adjustable for different distances and orientations, minimizing obstruction and enhancing visibility in various light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single reticule is used in reflex sights, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user's ability to quickly superimpose the reticule on targets at varying distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single reticule is divided into multiple separate sight dots (first sight dot, second sight dot, third sight dot) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each sight dot can be separately adjusted to accommodate different target distances and heights, allowing the user to quickly align with targets at varying ranges without changing the entire reticule configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single reticule is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the sight must be adjusted on the fly for different target distances
Solution Approach 1:
The sight system is segmented into multiple independently adjustable sight dots, each with its own adjustment mechanism. This allows pre-adjustment of different sight dots for different target distances during manufacturing or initial setup, eliminating the need for on-the-fly adjustments during shooting and reducing the time lost to repositioning the reticule when switching between different range zones.
3Illumination intensity
If the reticule is made larger for better visibility, then the visibility is improved, but large areas of the target are obscured at longer ranges
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large reticule, the system employs multiple smaller sight dots positioned at different locations. Each individual dot has a smaller area that obscures less target, but collectively they provide sufficient visibility and reference points for accurate aiming at various distances. The segmented approach allows the user to select the appropriate dot for the current target distance, minimizing overall obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sight dots are positioned at different locations and may have different characteristics optimized for specific distance ranges. This local differentiation allows each dot to serve its specific purpose effectively while maintaining minimal obstruction of the target area. The reflective surface and illumination are localized to each dot rather than being distributed across a large single reticule.
4Illumination intensity
If a fluorescent-doped fiber optic is used, then the light intensity is directly dependent on ambient light level, but the fiber optics are difficult to manipulate and position
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fiber optic assembly is extracted and replaced with simpler light emitting elements (such as LEDs or laser diodes) that can be more easily manipulated and positioned. These elements provide sufficient light intensity independent of ambient light conditions and can be more readily adjusted and secured in the sight housing, eliminating the manipulation difficulties associated with flexible fiber optics.
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 solution allows for clear and quick alignment of targets at varying distances with minimal obstruction, improved visibility in all light conditions, and adjustable settings for different shooting styles and distances, enhancing user performance.
Implementation Method 1
first and second light emitting elements arranged for projecting first and second sight dots, respectively, onto the reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
a reflective sight component having a reflective surface for facing a user
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated sighting device includes a reflective sight component mounted within a sight window. Light emitting elements are vertically arranged for projecting vertically stacked sight points or dots onto a reflective surface of the sight component which can be superimposed on a distal target during aiming. The light emitting elements may be one or more light collector ends and/or one or more separate light sources such as LED's.