Locking Turret for Optical Sight Reticle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sights for firearms lack a reliable and user-friendly adjustment mechanism that allows precise alignment of the reticle pattern relative to the firearm barrel, especially under varying environmental conditions such as wind and elevation.
Innovation Solution
The optical sight incorporates an adjustment turret system with a body, adjustment shaft, cap, and locking pin, along with a stop ring and detent mechanism, enabling precise rotational adjustments and locking positions to align the reticle pattern accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional adjustment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of reticle alignment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an adjustment turret for precise rotational adjustment, a locking pin for securing positions, and a detent mechanism with spring-loaded balls for positional locking. Each component performs a specific function, collectively achieving high measurement precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical adjustment with a more sophisticated system combining mechanical elements (turret, locking pin) with elastic elements (spring-loaded detent mechanism). This substitution enables precise angular adjustment and reliable positioning that exceeds conventional mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If a simple adjustment mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of maintaining adjustment positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism with spring-loaded balls is pre-configured to automatically engage with notches on the adjustment shaft when the turret is rotated. This preliminary positioning action ensures that once the user stops rotating, the mechanism automatically locks into a precise position, enhancing reliability without requiring additional user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin and detent mechanism operate automatically through spring force to engage and disengage from notches based on the rotation position of the adjustment shaft. The system self-locks at predetermined positions without requiring separate locking actions from the user, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable position maintenance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment components are added, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions are merged into a single integrated adjustment turret assembly. The turret combines the adjustment shaft, locking pin, detent mechanism with spring balls, and indicator scale into one unified component that performs precise angular adjustment and positioning simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment turret serves multiple functions: it provides precise rotational adjustment of the reticle, locks at predetermined positions through the detent mechanism, indicates current position through the scale, and maintains stability through the spring-loaded balls. This multi-functionality within a single assembly achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment turret for an optical sight includes a body, an adjustment shaft, a cap, and a locking pin. The body includes a cavity and an axial bore. The adjustment shaft threadably engages the axial bore for relative rotation therebetween. The cap is connected to the adjustment shaft for rotation with the adjustment shaft relative to the body and is axially movable relative to the body and the adjustment shaft between a first position and a second position. The locking pin is axially movable with the cap and is received in the cavity when the cap is in the first position to prevent relative rotation between the cap and the body and is removed from the cavity when the cap is in the second position to allow relative rotation between the cap and the body.