Open Frame Reflex Sight Pivot Mechanics for Parallax Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reflex sights face parallax errors due to the diode and mirror alignment issues, especially in small-arms applications, where the 'tube-effect' amplifies parallax control challenges, compromising optical performance and increasing the part count.
Innovation Solution
A reflex sight design featuring a single frame for mounting both the diode and mirror, allowing for independent bore sight adjustments without moving the diode off the optical axis, coupled with integral pivot mechanics for accurate alignment and reduced parallax errors, and the option for an open reflex design to minimize the 'tube effect'.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an inner and outer tube design is used to maintain diode-to-mirror relationship, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and tube-effect are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diode and mirror mounting functions into a single frame structure, eliminating the need for separate inner and outer tubes. This single frame design maintains the diode-to-mirror relationship while reducing structural complexity and eliminating the tube-effect that plagues tube-in-tube designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bore sight adjustments move the diode off the optical axis, then alignment flexibility is improved, but optical performance deteriorates due to parallax errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment functions by providing independent elevation and azimuth adjustment mechanisms that operate separately without disturbing the diode-to-mirror optical relationship. This allows bore sight adjustments to be made while maintaining optimal optical performance and minimizing parallax errors.
3Strength
If a closed tube design is used for the reflex sight, then structural protection is improved, but the tube-effect is amplified reducing field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential protective functions from a fully enclosed tube design and implements them through a single frame structure with open sides. This extraction eliminates the tube-effect that restricts field of view while maintaining adequate structural protection for the optical components.
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 design ensures optimal optical performance by maintaining the diode-to-mirror relationship, reducing parallax errors, and minimizing the 'tube effect' for improved user experience and reduced weight and cost, while accommodating various optical designs and adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The sight utilizes the optical principle that the illuminated projection at the focus of the window, or lens or curved mirror thereof, will appear as if it is in front of the sight at infinity
Implementation Method 2
The window includes a lens or curved mirror which allows the illuminated projection to be reflected while allowing the user to see the target
Data Source
AI summary
A reflex sight to sight a weapon, such as a firearm, comprises a frame carried by a base. The frame carries a mirror and an illumination source, such as an LED, spaced-apart and in a fixed relationship with respect to one another with the illumination source directed towards the mirror at a fixed orientation. A spindle is carried by the frame and disposed between the frame and the base about which an orientation of the frame with respect to the base is adjusted. The spindle has a vertical shaft extending between the base and the frame, with the frame capable of swiveling horizontally on the vertical shaft to adjust for azimuth. The spindle also has a horizontal axle extending between the vertical shaft and the frame, with the frame vertically pivotal on the horizontal axle to adjust for elevation.