Locking Turret Knob for Optical Sights

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic sighting systems lack a mechanically lockable adjustment knob that can be securely locked and unlocked by the operator, leading to potential inadvertent adjustments due to accidental physical contact or cap loss issues in current designs.

Innovation Solution

A locking turret knob mechanism featuring an adjustment member with engagement members and surfaces, allowing for secure locking and unlocking by applying and removing a force, preventing unintended rotation and maintaining settings despite environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cover cap is used to protect the adjustment member, then protection from moisture and accidental adjustment is improved, but the complexity of operation increases due to repeated removal and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from moisture and accidental adjustmentVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment knob integrates the protective function directly into the adjustment mechanism itself. The knurled outer surface provides both grip for adjustment and protection from accidental rotation, eliminating the need for separate protective caps. The mechanism serves its own protective needs through its inherent design features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the protective cap function with the adjustment knob function into a single integrated component. The adjustment knob itself provides both the adjustment capability and the protective features through its knurled surface and mechanical locking, merging previously separate functions into one unified mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the adjustment knob is accessible at all times, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent rotation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidprotection from inadvertent adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment knob features a knurled outer surface that provides localized high-friction grip areas. This creates zones of enhanced grip capability at specific locations on the knob surface, allowing reliable adjustment when intentionally grasped while resisting rotation from accidental light contact. The local quality of the knurled surface provides differential resistance based on applied force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical locking feature provides preliminary prevention against inadvertent adjustment by default. The locking mechanism is engaged by default and requires a deliberate unlocking action before adjustment can occur, providing advance protection against accidental changes while maintaining accessibility for intentional adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a mechanical locking mechanism is added, then protection from inadvertent adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from inadvertent adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment knob integrates the protective function directly into the adjustment mechanism itself. The knurled outer surface provides both grip for adjustment and protection from accidental rotation, eliminating the need for separate protective caps. The mechanism serves its own protective needs through its inherent design features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the protective cap function with the adjustment knob function into a single integrated component. The adjustment knob itself provides both the adjustment capability and the protective features through its knurled surface and mechanical locking, merging previously separate functions into one unified mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8006429B2Locking turret knob

Publication Date: 2011.08.30 LEUPOLD & STEVENS INC

AI summary

A locking turret knob includes an adjustment member, a first member, and a second member. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about an axis of rotation. The first member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement member. The second member is disposed in proximity to the adjustment member and has at least one engagement surface. The adjustment member is adjustably positionable about the axis of rotation when each engagement member does not engage an engagement surface. The adjustment member is locked in a selected position about the axis of rotation when at least one engagement member engages an engagement surface. The adjustment member can be coupled to an adjuster of an optical enhancement device, such as a telescopic sight, a telescope or a microscope.