Optical Sight Tumbler Flexure Assembly for Magnification Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm optical sights with movable tumblers are cumbersome, prone to unintended adjustments due to manual contact or physical shock, and have complex mechanisms that increase cost and size, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sight design featuring a flexure assembly with a ball bearing and adjustable tumbler assembly that uses a magnification control module with a lever to change magnification settings, ensuring secure and reliable operation through a resilient flexure that returns to a neutral position and a mechanism that prevents unintended movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manually-operable mechanism is provided to move the tumbler between operational positions, then magnification control is enabled, but the mechanism is physically larger than desirable and difficult to assemble and disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into modular components: a tumbler assembly with optics, a flexure assembly with ball bearing, and a control lever system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly during manufacturing and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tumbler is nested within the sight housing, with the flexure assembly positioned to support the tumbler's movement. The control lever is integrated into the housing structure, with features that engage directly with the tumbler assembly. This nested arrangement minimizes overall mechanism size while maintaining full functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If pre-existing adjustment mechanisms are used for tumbler position, then calibration alignment is achieved, but the mechanisms involve a significant number of parts increasing cost and size
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure assembly combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides mechanical support for the tumbler, enables precise positional adjustments through its flexible structure, and incorporates a ball bearing for smooth movement. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing part count while maintaining calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure assembly is designed to self-align the tumbler to precise positions through its inherent elastic properties. The flexure's geometry is engineered to guide the tumbler into correct alignment automatically, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment mechanisms and reducing the number of parts required for calibration.
3Ease of operation
If a manually-operable mechanism is provided for tumbler movement, then operational control is enabled, but inadvertent contact or physical shock causes unintended release and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever incorporates a latch feature that preemptively prevents unintended tumbler movement. The latch engages with a corresponding feature on the tumbler assembly, creating a mechanical lock that requires a deliberate, sustained action on the lever to disengage. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful effect of inadvertent contact or shock before it can cause unintended release.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure assembly acts as a cushioning element between the tumbler and the housing. Its elastic properties absorb and dampen physical shocks and vibrations, preventing them from transmitting enough force to overcome the latch mechanism and cause unintended tumbler movement. This beforehand cushioning protects the operational integrity of the control 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
The design enhances the reliability and compactness of the optical sight, reducing the risk of unintended adjustments and simplifying assembly and maintenance, while maintaining precise magnification control.
Implementation Method 1
A compact optical sight design featuring a flexure assembly with a ball bearing
Implementation Method 2
ensuring secure and reliable operation through a resilient flexure that returns to a neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus relate to an optical sight having a first section, and having a second section that is movable relative to the first section, and that has optics thereon. One aspect involves: preventing movement of the second section away from a first position past a second position; responding to movement of a member relative to the first section from a third position to a fourth position by moving the second section from the first position to the second position; resiliently urging the second section away from the first position and past the second position when the member is on a side of the fourth position remote from the third position; and releasably retaining the member in a position on a side of the fourth position remote from the third position.