Magnification Adjustment Ring With Ball Bearing Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnification adjustment rings in viewing optics suffer from uneven retention and localized loading, leading to improper rotational placement and potential waterproofness issues due to single-point constraint and clearance between the pin body and slot walls.
Innovation Solution
A magnification adjusting assembly with a ring featuring a groove and multiple ball bearing structures secured by a compressible material, such as an o-ring, distributed around the circumference to provide improved connection and load distribution between the ring and the scope tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single threaded pin is used to retain the magnification adjustment ring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the retention becomes uneven and causes localized loading
Solution Approach 1:
The single pin retention system is segmented into multiple ball bearing structures distributed around the circumference of the adjustment ring. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than concentrated at a single location, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and retention uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the retention system are given different functions: ball bearings provide rotational support and load distribution, while compressible material provides axial retention and sealing. This local differentiation of qualities allows each component to optimize its specific function, improving overall reliability without excessive complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single pin extends into the erector tube to adjust magnification, then the adjustment mechanism is simplified, but uneven retention causes improper rotational placement
Solution Approach 1:
The single-point rotational constraint is segmented into multiple ball bearing contact points around the circumference. This segmentation provides multiple reference points for rotational positioning, ensuring more accurate and consistent rotational placement of the erector tube while maintaining a relatively simple adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system transitions from a single-point constraint (one-dimensional) to a distributed multi-point constraint (two-dimensional arrangement around the circumference). This dimensional change provides superior rotational reference and placement precision without significantly increasing mechanism complexity.
3Ease of operation
If clearance exists between pin body and slot walls, then the adjustment ring can rotate freely, but unwanted axial translation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The axial retention function is separated from the rotational function. Ball bearings handle rotational movement while compressible material segments provide axial retention at multiple locations, preventing unwanted axial translation while preserving rotational freedom through the ball bearing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Compressible material acts as an intermediary element between the adjustment ring and the scope tube, providing axial retention without interfering with rotational movement. This intermediary allows the ring to rotate freely while maintaining stable axial positioning.
4Device complexity
If a single pin provides retention, then the structure is simpler, but localized loading causes wallowing and bending of the pin
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from a single pin to multiple ball bearing structures distributed around the adjustment ring. This segmentation distributes the localized loading across multiple contact points, preventing wallowing and bending while maintaining relatively simple structure through the use of standard ball bearing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system changes from a rigid single-pin constraint to a compliant multi-point system using ball bearings and compressible material. This parameter change in the retention mechanism distributes stresses and prevents structural failure while maintaining simplicity.
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
This solution prevents axial displacement and bending, ensuring a durable and structurally rigid connection while maintaining ease of use, with greater than 50% of ball bearings remaining below the scope body surface for effective retention and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a ball bearing structure secured in the groove by a compressible material
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a magnification adjusting assembly. In one embodiment, the magnification adjusting assembly comprises a ring having an inner surface and an outer surface. In one embodiment, a groove is disposed around the inner surface of the ring. In one embodiment, at least three ball bearing structures are secured in the groove by a compressible material.