Multi-Wavelength Optical Imaging Mount for Compact Composite Sighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sighting devices for projectile weapons often suffer from bulkiness and complexity due to the need for multiple wavelength bands, limiting their usability in varying light conditions without adding unnecessary weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An optical imaging system comprising a sighting device and a secondary imaging device that can operate in different wavelength bands, mechanically attached and electronically linked to provide a composite image, allowing flexible wavelength range use without excessive bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sighting device uses a combination of several wavelength ranges, then the wavelength range is expanded, but the weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sighting system is divided into separate functional modules: a primary sighting device for daytime use and a secondary imaging device for nighttime use. Each device is optimized for its specific wavelength range, avoiding the need to carry all components simultaneously. The mounting element allows easy attachment and detachment, enabling users to segment their equipment based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element serves multiple functions: it mechanically attaches the secondary imaging device to the sighting device, provides alignment guidance, and facilitates electronic linking between devices. This universal component enables a single attachment mechanism to handle multiple operational requirements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sighting device uses a combination of several wavelength ranges, then the wavelength range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates imaging functions into distinct devices - a simple optical sighting device for daytime and a separate imaging device for nighttime operation. Each device maintains simple architecture optimized for its specific function, rather than integrating all functions into one complex unit. The mounting element provides the connection interface, keeping individual device complexities low.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element acts as an intermediary between the sighting device and secondary imaging device, handling mechanical attachment, alignment, and electronic communication. This intermediary component simplifies the interaction between devices, allowing them to function independently while being easily integrated when needed, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combined image is provided to the user, then the functionality is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging and processing functions are segmented between two separate devices. The primary sighting device handles daytime imaging, while the secondary imaging device handles nighttime imaging. Each device processes images independently through its own processor, avoiding the need for a single complex device to handle all imaging scenarios. The mounting element provides the connection for combining these separate processing functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary imaging device is always attached, then the wavelength range is always expanded, but the bulk and weight are always increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element enables dynamic configuration of the system, allowing users to attach or detach the secondary imaging device based on operational requirements. The mechanical attachment system provides alignment guidance that ensures proper positioning when attached, while allowing easy removal when not needed. This dynamic capability lets users optimize their equipment configuration for specific missions rather than carrying maximum capability always.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical imaging system is usable in connection with projectile weapons, for example for hunting or target shooting. The optical imaging system has a sighting device configured to obtain images in a first wavelength band. Further, it has a secondary imaging device that is configured to obtain images in a second wavelength band, the second wavelength band being different from the first wavelength band. The optical imaging system further has a mounting element configured to mechanically attach the secondary imaging device to and align with the sighting device. The sighting device has a processing element and is configured to electronically link with the secondary imaging device. The sighting device is configured to display a composite image comprised of a first image obtained by the sighting device and a second image obtained by the secondary imaging device.