Laser Ranging Sight for Projectile Launchers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ranging and sighting systems for projectile launchers are inaccurate and non-ergonomic, particularly when used for both lethal and non-lethal projectiles, as they fail to account for varying projectile paths and velocities, leading to potential lethal shots due to unknown target distances and projectile drop.
Innovation Solution
A ranging and sighting system that uses custom etched reticles, laser projected sights, or combinations thereof, with adjustable settings for different projectile types, allowing users to determine target distance and adjust for projectile drop, and can be mounted on both lethal and non-lethal launchers, accommodating various light conditions and night vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical flip-up sighting system is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the measurement precision of target distance is poor and the system cannot accommodate varying projectile paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flip-up sighting system with an optical laser ranging system that uses laser beams to measure target distance electronically, providing precise digital range data without mechanical moving parts. This substitution enables accurate measurement of varying projectile paths while eliminating the limitations of mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sighting system is designed to accommodate both lethal and non-lethal projectiles by providing a universal laser ranging capability that works with different projectile types, velocities, and trajectories. The system can be configured with different reticles and drop compensation settings for various projectile categories, making it adaptable to multiple mission requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical sight is used for both lethal and non-lethal projectiles, then the device structure is simple, but the system cannot accommodate varying projectile paths and velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment capabilities through electronic controls that allow real-time modification of reticle illumination intensity, reticle pattern selection, and drop compensation values based on the specific projectile type and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same hardware platform to optimize performance for different lethal and non-lethal ammunition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as laser power output, reticle illumination levels, and ballistic drop compensation values to match different projectile characteristics. Users can select from pre-programmed profiles for various projectile types, which automatically adjust the sighting parameters to account for differences in velocity, weight, and trajectory between lethal and non-lethal rounds.
3Loss of information
If no ranging system is used, then the device complexity is low, but the shooter cannot know target distance to adjust for projectile drop and lethality
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ranging system operates autonomously to provide target distance information without requiring external measurement tools or complex manual calculation procedures. The system self-calibrates and automatically computes range data, presenting the information directly to the shooter through the reticle display, thereby eliminating information gaps while keeping the user interface simple.
4Reliability
If non-lethal projectiles are fired at close ranges, then the projectiles can be lethal, but without ranging the probability of unintended lethal shots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ranging system provides immediate feedback on target distance, enabling the shooter to make real-time decisions about appropriate projectile selection and aim point placement. The system's drop compensation features automatically adjust the reticle based on measured range, ensuring that non-lethal projectiles are aimed at appropriate body zones and lethal projectiles are engaged only at safe distances, thereby preventing unintended casualties.
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 accurate determination of target distance and projectile drop, reducing the risk of unintended lethal shots by providing a precise sighting solution for both lethal and non-lethal projectiles, ensuring both accuracy and safety across different ranges and light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The ranging and sighting device of the present invention allows the user to be able to correctly determine the distance to the target and then allows the user to adjust for the appropriate drop of the projectile being used. The ranging and sighting system of the present invention can use either a custom etched reticle, laser projected sight, laser sight, or a combination thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging and sighting system for a lethal and non-lethal projectile launcher having an housing and a eyepiece positioned on an end of the housing and one or more reticles in the eyepiece having separate indicia for sighting a target and ranging a target and a switch for selecting between the indicia for sighting and the indicia for ranging the target.