Polarizer Assembly with Pivotable Cover for Firearm Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polarizer assemblies for optical sights lack the ability to be removably and pivotably mounted, limiting user control over optical filtering for glare reduction.
Innovation Solution
A polarizer assembly with a pivotably mounted cover and locking rings that can be securely attached to an optical sight using elastically expanding tabs, allowing for adjustable filtration of scattered or reflected light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the polarizer is fixed in position, then the optical filtering is stable and reliable, but the user cannot adjust or remove the polarizer to control glare reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizer assembly transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic system where the cover can pivot between positions and the polarizer can be inserted or removed. The hinge mechanism enables dynamic adjustment while the spring provides dynamic biasing force, allowing the system to adapt between different operational states (polarizer in use vs. polarizer removed/adjusted).
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is divided into separable components: the frame, the cover, and the polarizer. This segmentation allows the polarizer to be independently inserted or removed from the cover, enabling user control over optical filtering while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge connection between frame and cover.
2Ease of operation
If the polarizer assembly is permanently mounted, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but the polarizer cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. The hinge mechanism allows the cover to be opened for polarizer removal, and the spring provides continuous biasing force to maintain secure mounting when the polarizer is installed, creating a system that transitions between secure and removable states as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is rigidly fixed to the frame, then the structure is stable, but the polarizer cannot be pivoted to adjust the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic pivotable connection. The spring provides continuous biasing force to maintain structural stability when closed, while the hinge geometry allows controlled rotation to adjust the line of sight through the polarizer, achieving both stability and adjustability.
4Ease of operation
If the polarizer assembly uses complex mounting mechanisms, then the mounting is secure, but the assembly and disassembly become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded hinge mechanism eliminates the need for manual fastening or complex locking procedures. The spring automatically provides biasing force to secure the mounting, and the hinge geometry naturally guides the cover into the closed position, allowing rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection through elastic deformation of the spring.
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
Enables user-selectable optical filtering by allowing the polarizer to be easily mounted and adjusted, effectively reducing glare while maintaining a clear line of sight.
Implementation Method 1
elastically expanding the plurality of inwardly-extending tabs outwardly to accommodate passage of a mounting feature of the optical sight when advancing the polarizer assembly towards the optical sight; contracting the plurality of inwardly-extending tabs inwardly upon passage of the mounting feature; and capturing the mounting feature within the annular slot to secure the polarizer assembly to the optical sight
Implementation Method 2
optical polarizer coupled to the cover and movable therewith... effectively reducing glare while maintaining a clear line of sight
Data Source
AI summary
Optical polarizers, polarizer assemblies, and associated methods are disclosed herein. The polarizer assemblies may be removably coupled to an optical sight, particularly to an optical sight of a firearm. The polarizer assemblies may include a cover that is movable between a closed configuration in which an optical polarizer is aligned with an optical path of the optical sight and an open configuration in which the optical polarizer is not aligned with the optical path. The cover may be spring loaded such that the cover is biased into the open configuration. The polarizer assemblies may have retaining features to removably retain the polarizer assembly onto the optical sight.