Reflex Sight Pivoting Lid and Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflex sights for handguns and rifles lack convenient battery access, robust accessory mounting options, and precise aiming point adjustment mechanisms, which can hinder tactical usability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A reflex sight design featuring a pivoting lid for tool-free battery compartment access, threaded mounting holes for accessories, and a positioning mechanism with adjustable screws for precise aiming point display, including a spring-lubricated carriage system for smooth movement and backlash reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the battery compartment access door is located on the underside of the sight, then the sight structure is compact, but the battery replacement requires removing the sight from the weapon and uses tools
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment access mechanism is segmented into a separate pivoting lid assembly that can be independently operated from the main sight body. This allows the lid to be positioned on the top surface for easy access while maintaining the compact overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the battery compartment access on the underside as in prior art, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the access lid on the top surface of the sight, making it accessible without removing the sight from the weapon and eliminating the need for tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reflex sight includes accessory mounting features, then the adaptability for tactical accessories is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflex sight housing is designed with multiple universal mounting features including threaded holes in side walls for impact guards or rain hoods, and a T-slot or dovetail slot at the rear for various iron sight assemblies. These standardized interfaces allow different accessories to be mounted without adding complex custom mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory mounting system uses nested structures where the T-slot or dovetail slot provides a receiving structure that can accommodate different iron sight assemblies. The traveler block with adjustment screws nests within this slot, allowing precise adjustment while maintaining a compact integrated design.
3Ease of operation
If the aiming point display device is fixed, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the ability to adjust for different tactical situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming point display device is made dynamically adjustable through a positioning mechanism with carriage and adjustment screws. The carriage can be precisely positioned along the optical axis using threaded adjustment screws with fine pitch, allowing tactical users to adjust the aiming point while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled mechanical movement.
4Reliability
If the impact guard is rigidly mounted, then the protection for the optical element is improved, but the impact energy cannot be absorbed and may damage the sight
Solution Approach 1:
The impact guard is designed with a gap between its underside and the lens frame, creating a cushioning space that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the optical element. This beforehand cushioning allows the impact guard to flex and dissipate shock while still providing protection, preventing damage to the sight.
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
Enhances tactical usability by allowing easy battery replacement, flexible accessory integration, and precise aiming adjustments without tools, improving reliability and user confidence in tactical scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The pivoting lid is retained by a spring latch that can be operated by hand without tools
Implementation Method 2
The lid is preferably biased upwardly by a spring so that when the latch is released, the lid is urged open
Implementation Method 3
A magnet may be mounted to the underside of the lid to magnetically lift a button cell battery from the battery compartment when the lid is opened
Implementation Method 4
When closed, the lid is preferably sealed to the housing by an O-ring that is compressed between the lid and the compartment opening when the lid is retained by the spring latch
Data Source
AI summary
A battery compartment for a reflex sight is accessed via a pivoting lid that can be unlatched, opened, and closed by hand without tools and without removing the sight from its weapon. A button carried by the lid actuates a switch within the sight for changing a setting of the sight. Also disclosed is a reflex sight having mounting structures for accessories, such as an impact guard, a rain hood, or a rear iron sight for example. Positioning mechanisms for an LED or other aiming point display device of an aiming sight are also disclosed.