Optical Sight Cover With Backup Reticle for Power-Fail Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective covers for optical sights do not provide a backup aiming function when the power source fails, leading to non-functional reflex sights and potential malfunctions due to soiling or power-up delays.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a permanently displayed optical reticle with gaseous tritium light sources in the transparent end wall sections of the protective cover, allowing the sight to function as a backup sight even in emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent end wall section is used to protect the opening, then the sight remains visible and functional, but the sight lacks backup aiming capability when power source fails
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the optical sight from environmental damage while simultaneously providing a backup aiming reticle. The reticle is integrated directly into the transparent end wall section, allowing the cover to function as both a protective element and an emergency sighting device when the electronic reticle fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the protective cover structure with the reticle marking system. The reticle is applied directly to the transparent end wall section of the protective cover, merging the protection function and the aiming function into a single integrated component, thereby providing backup capability without adding separate complex systems.
2Illumination intensity
If gaseous tritium light sources are added to illuminate the reticle, then aiming visibility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gaseous tritium light sources, which are relatively simple, self-contained illumination devices that do not require external power connections. These light sources can be directly integrated into the protective cover assembly, providing long-lasting illumination without complex electrical infrastructure, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaseous tritium light sources are pre-integrated into the protective cover during manufacturing, rather than being added as a separate complex system later. This preliminary integration simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining multiple functions (protection, reticle display, and illumination) into a single assembly step.
3Reliability
If the reticle is permanently displayed on the protective cover, then emergency aiming is enabled, but the electronic reticle functionality is redundant
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover with its integrated reticle serves as a pre-prepared backup system that is always ready in case the electronic reticle fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the shooter can immediately switch to the mechanical reticle without delay, providing redundancy that enhances reliability while keeping the system design relatively simple.
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
Ensures the firearm remains operable by providing a visible aiming point, enhancing accuracy and rugged protection, and eliminating delays associated with electronic power-up times.
Implementation Method 1
the reticle or the part of this reticle has at least one gaseous tritium light source. This radioluminescence can facilitate aiming
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover for an optical sight of a firearm, with at least one transparent end wall section for protecting either a proximal opening or a distal opening of the optical sight is disclosed. In order to provide a backup sight, it is proposed for the transparent end wall section to have a permanently displayed optical reticle or a part of this reticle.