Optical Aiming Device Using Multi-Faceted Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical aiming devices require alignment of multiple points for proper aiming, which can be complex and inefficient compared to conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
The optical aiming device consists of two multi-faceted optical elements with refractive indices and critical angles, causing light to be totally or partially reflected and refracted, creating distinct regions in the field of view that intersect at a point along the aiming axis, allowing for simplified alignment by aligning this intersection point with the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical aiming devices are used, then multiple points must be aligned for proper aiming, but this increases alignment complexity and reduces aiming efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into two separate multi-faceted optical elements (first and second optical elements) with distinct reflection planes. Each element creates its own demarcation line, and the intersection of these simplified demarcations provides the aiming reference, breaking down the complex alignment task into manageable segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional approach by creating demarcation lines (one-dimensional features) that intersect at a specific point in space. This transforms the traditional point-based alignment into a line-intersection-based alignment, adding a linear dimension to the aiming process that simplifies the operational procedure
2Measurement precision
If multiple alignment points are required, then aiming precision can be maintained, but the aiming process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential alignment function from traditional multi-point systems and concentrates it into a single intersection point of two demarcation lines. This extraction maintains the precision function while eliminating the time-consuming aspect of aligning multiple separate points
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are pre-configured with specific facet orientations and angles during manufacturing, so that when assembled, their demarcation lines naturally intersect at the correct aiming point. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex field alignment procedures
3Illumination intensity
If traditional optical elements are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the field of view clarity and resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical element employs a composite facet structure with different surface treatments: some facets have optical interference coatings for enhanced reflection, while others rely on total internal reflection. This composite approach within the optical elements improves light control and image clarity without requiring a complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Different facets of the optical elements have locally optimized properties - certain facets are coated with optical interference coatings to enhance reflection for specific viewing angles, while other facets utilize total internal reflection. This local optimization improves overall field of view clarity without uniformly increasing device complexity
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 simplifies the aiming process by allowing alignment of a single intersection point, reducing complexity and improving aiming accuracy, while also providing enhanced field of view clarity and resolution through the use of multi-layer optical interference coatings.
Implementation Method 1
each one of the first and second optical elements causing light impinging on the at least one total internal reflection plane at an angle greater than or equal to the critical angle to be totally reflected
Implementation Method 2
light impinging on the at least one total internal reflection plane at an angle less than the critical angle to be partially reflected and partially refracted
Implementation Method 3
an optical interference coating formed thereon
Data Source
AI summary
An optical aiming device including a first multi-faceted optical element lying on an axis and a second multi-faceted optical element juxtaposed to the first multi-faceted optical element and angled with respect thereto, the first and second optical elements each being characterized by a refractive index and a critical angle defining at least one total internal reflection plane formed by at least one facet of each one of the first and second optical elements, the at least one facet having an optical interference coating formed thereon, each one of the first and second optical elements causing light impinging on the at least one total internal reflection plane at an angle greater than or equal to the critical angle to be totally reflected and light impinging on the at least one total internal reflection plane at an angle less than the critical angle to be partially reflected and partially refracted, the totally reflected light illuminating a first region, the partially reflected light partially illuminating a second region, a demarcation being defined between the first and second regions, the first and second optical elements being oriented such that the demarcations of the first and second optical elements intersect at a point lying substantially along the axis.