Handheld Rangefinder Slope Compensation via Tilt Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld rangefinders fail to provide accurate horizontal distance measurements and hold over ballistic information due to elevation and slope variations, limiting their effectiveness for hunters and firearm users.
Innovation Solution
A handheld rangefinder device equipped with a range sensor, tilt sensor, and computing element that determines hold over ballistic information by calculating the angle and modifying projectile drop values, providing accurate range and hold over values to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld rangefinders utilize lasers to determine range, then the field of vision and maneuverability are improved, but the accuracy of horizontal distance measurement deteriorates due to elevation and slope variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a laser range sensor with a tilt sensor (inclinometer) into a single handheld device. The tilt sensor detects the angle of the device relative to horizontal, and the computing element uses this angle information along with the laser range measurement to calculate the true horizontal distance by compensating for elevation and slope variations. This merging allows the device to maintain the portability and field of vision of handheld rangefinders while improving measurement accuracy.
2Device complexity
If handheld rangefinders provide basic range information, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide hold over ballistic information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the handheld rangefinder multi-functional by adding capabilities to provide not only basic range information but also hold over ballistic information. The device includes a database of projectile drop values and a computing element that calculates hold over values by combining laser range data, tilt sensor angle measurements, and projectile trajectory information. This allows a single handheld device to serve both as a simple rangefinder and as a comprehensive ballistic calculation tool.
3Measurement precision
If devices utilize lasers and inclinometers to compensate for slope and elevation, then the range measurement accuracy is improved, but the portability and field of vision deteriorate due to attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained handheld device that integrates all necessary components (laser range sensor, tilt sensor, computing element, and database) into a single portable unit. The device does not require attachment to firearms or bows, as it independently performs both range measurement and ballistic calculation functions. This self-service design maintains the portability and field of vision advantages of handheld rangefinders while providing accurate slope and elevation compensation.
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 hunters to achieve accurate shooting by providing precise horizontal distance and hold over values, eliminating the need for manual calculations and enhancing the portability and field of vision of handheld rangefinders.
Implementation Method 1
handheld rangefinders utilize lasers to acquire ranges
Implementation Method 2
laser range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target
Implementation Method 3
tilt sensor including an inclinometer operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.