Miniaturized Single-Focal-Plane Sight for Faster Target Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aiming devices, such as occluded and non-occluded 'red dot' sights, face issues with size, obstruction of the target, requirement for binocular vision, learning curve, fragile windows, and difficulty in quickly acquiring the aiming point, especially in combat scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized aiming device that miniaturizes the collimated light-based single focal plane aiming sight, allowing simultaneous focus on the target and reticle with one eye, and functions as both a front or rear iron sight, reducing obstruction and lag time in acquiring the aiming point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional iron sights are used, then the device structure is simple, but the user must focus on multiple focal planes which increases aiming time and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the front sight and rear sight into a single integrated unit with a unified focal plane. The sight incorporates both the aiming reticle and target acquisition elements in one structure that focuses at a single distance, eliminating the need to shift focus between multiple planes. This is achieved by positioning the reticle and sight elements at the same focal distance from the objective lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight is designed to function as both a traditional iron sight for close-range aiming and a scoped sight for longer-range precision. The single focal plane design allows it to serve multiple purposes: rapid target acquisition like iron sights and precise aiming like telescopic sights, without requiring the user to switch between different focusing modes.
2Productivity
If red dot sights are used to provide single focal plane aiming, then aiming speed is improved, but the device size increases and obstructs the target view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the red dot reticle system within a compact housing that integrates with traditional iron sight structures. The collimated light source and reticle are positioned within a small optical chamber that does not protrude significantly from the firearm, allowing the sight to maintain a small profile while providing rapid target acquisition capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight transitions from a two-dimensional iron sight profile to a three-dimensional optical system that projects the reticle into the user's visual field without increasing the physical footprint. By using collimated light to create a virtual image at infinity, the sight provides rapid aiming capability without adding significant bulk or obstructing the target view.
3Measurement precision
If occluded eye sights are used, then single focal plane aiming is achieved, but binocular vision is required which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of occluding one eye as in traditional red dot sights, the patent inverts the approach by making the sight visible to both eyes simultaneously. The reticle is projected in a way that allows binocular viewing without requiring the user to close or occlude either eye, simplifying operation while maintaining single focal plane precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight creates a duplicate reticle image that appears in both visual fields simultaneously. By projecting the collimated reticle in a manner that allows both eyes to see the same focal plane reference, the system eliminates the need for occluded eye operation while maintaining aiming precision.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If larger sight windows are used to improve target acquisition, then the aiming point is easier to locate, but the window becomes more fragile and obstructs more of the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the sight window. The central area contains the reticle projection with higher optical density for precise aiming point detection, while the peripheral areas maintain lower obstruction for better target visibility. This localized optimization allows easy aiming point detection without requiring a large overall window size.
Solution Approach 2:
The sight window design uses asymmetric light transmission properties, with the reticle area optimized for high contrast and visibility while the surrounding areas maintain transparency. This asymmetric design allows the aiming point to be easily detected without requiring symmetric enlargement of the entire window, thereby reducing fragility and target obstruction.
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 miniaturized aiming device enables faster and more accurate aiming by eliminating the need for focusing on multiple focal planes, providing increased situational awareness, and functioning as a backup iron sight, thus enhancing combat readiness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
at least one collimation element, wherein a) the light source generates or gathers light which is passed through a collimation element; said light passes through the collimation element is used to provide a signal used in aiming
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods including miniaturization of a single focal plane collimated light-based aiming sights and their variants. One technical effect includes a user's ability to develop an effective, accurate and fast sight picture using ‘red-dot’/reticle type sights while preserving the superior accuracy of these technologies. One new result is the reduction of the housing size, and overall footprint of the structural elements of these sights. In at least on embodiment, using LEDs, the power requirement for the aiming device is significantly lowered which means that the volume and weight of the aiming device is reduced. Accordingly, this enables positioning of the now miniaturized sight at the top of a pistol, firearm or apparatus. In at least one embodiment an aiming device is located with a firearm's front sight. In at least one embodiment, an aiming sight's structure, methods of fabrication, assembly, use includes kitting of the sights.