Optical Reference Point Alignment for Projectile Zeroing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for projectile devices are inefficient, often requiring multiple rounds of ammunition and being prone to human error, especially in noisy environments or with non-iron based firearms, leading to wastefulness and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a scope, a sight aid for removing parallax, and a superposition device with multiple optical reference points projected onto a target, allowing for precise alignment of the point of aim with the point of impact using a single shot by maintaining the position of these reference points during the projectile's trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional zeroing methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but multiple rounds of ammunition are required and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidzeroing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by projecting optical reference points onto the target before firing the projectile. This allows the user to pre-establish the relationship between the point of aim and point of impact, enabling zeroing with a single shot rather than requiring multiple rounds of trial and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical reference system that mediates between the aiming device and the target. The projected reference points serve as a visual intermediary that shows exactly where the projectile will impact, allowing precise alignment without repeated firing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional zeroing methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but multiple rounds of ammunition are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidammunition waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The optical reference points are projected onto the target before firing, allowing the user to verify alignment in advance. This preliminary visualization eliminates the need to fire multiple rounds to determine where the projectile will impact, thereby conserving ammunition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the impact points on the target through projected reference points. This visual copy allows the user to see the intended impact location without actually firing, replacing the need for physical test shots with an optical simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic methods are used for non-iron based firearms, then alignment can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirearm material compatibilityVSAvoidalignment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical or magnetic attachment methods with an optical projection system. Instead of relying on magnetic grids that require iron-based materials, the system uses light projection to create reference points, making it universally compatible with all firearm types including non-iron based weapons while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method significantly reduces the time and ammunition needed for zeroing, enhances accuracy, and is applicable to various types of firearms, including those made from non-iron materials, by eliminating the need for counting clicks and reducing barrel wear.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one superposition device includes at least one illumination source for superposing multiple optical reference points onto a first target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a sight aid for removing parallax when optically coupled with the scope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParallax elimination: Parallax

Data Source

PatentUS9759520B2Method and system for aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for a projectile device
Publication Date: 2017.09.12 UMAREX USA INC
  • US9759520B2 patent drawing
  • US9759520B2 patent drawing
  • US9759520B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for a projectile device are disclosed. Using a superposition device coupled to the projectile device, at least one optical reference point is superposed within a first target area with at least one beam from the superposition device. A position of at least one of the optical reference points is noted. A projectile is expelled from the projectile device at a second target area, while the position of the at least one optical reference point is maintained, to create the point of impact. The point of aim for the projectile device is adjusted to align with the point of impact while the position of the at least one optical reference point is maintained.