Selectable Offset Image Wedge for Rifle Scope FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited Field of View (FOV) in bore-sighted rifle scopes restricts the effective range of target visibility, as the trajectory of projectiles falls out of the visible area due to gravitational pull, necessitating an enhancement in the usable FOV to compensate for projectile drop.
Innovation Solution
A selectable offset image wedge assembly with a housing that screws into the objective thread of the scope, featuring a rotatable and lockable wedge design, allowing for adjustable image offset to increase the FOV by shifting the image vertically, thereby aligning the projectile trajectory within the scope's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the scope is mounted at standard alignment (line of sight parallel to line of departure), then the scope structure is simple and mounting is straightforward, but the projectile trajectory falls out of the Field of View at longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the scope mounting by using a wedge-shaped adapter that tilts the scope downward. This angular adjustment in the vertical plane allows the line of sight to intersect the projectile trajectory at longer distances, effectively expanding the functional Field of View without complicating the horizontal mounting arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped adapter serves as an intermediary component between the rifle and the scope. This mediator introduces the necessary angular offset to align the scope's Field of View with the projectile trajectory, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple mounting and achieving extended range visibility.
2Area of stationary object
If the scope is tilted downward using a mechanical wedge to shift FOV, then the functional FOV is dramatically increased, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a standard scope mount, a wedge-shaped adapter with a specific angle, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the wedge to be a separate, interchangeable component that provides the FOV shift without permanently modifying the scope or rifle, thereby managing complexity through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge angle is carefully selected to provide the optimal balance between FOV extension and structural simplicity. By optimizing this geometric parameter, the design achieves maximum functional FOV with the minimum necessary complexity in the mounting structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wedge assembly is made adjustable and rotatable, then the image can be aligned vertically and repositioned to selectable offset locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge assembly incorporates rotational and translational adjustability, transforming a static mounting component into a dynamic one. The user can rotate the wedge to different angular positions and translate it to achieve various offset locations, providing adaptability for different shooting scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
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 adjustable wedge assembly significantly enhances the usable FOV by allowing the user to target distances previously out of the scope's range, improving target recognition and accuracy by aligning the projectile trajectory within the scope's field of view, even at longer ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a forward-facing end with a circular wedge lens mounted therein that is coaxially aligned with
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a selectable offset image wedge assembly and various methods for making and for use with any optical system having a circular lens and an objective, comprising a housing with a rear-facing end that mounts onto the objective and a forward-facing end with a circular wedge lens mounted therein that is coaxially aligned with the circular lens of the optical system, wherein, the wedge is adjustable to any predetermined clocking position after detachment from the optical system, allowing quick and repeated reattachment to the optical system to an approximately exact vertical orientation of a first image produced by the wedge lens and a second image produced by the circular lens of the optical system.