Reflex Sighting Optics with User-Changeable Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Firearm sighting optics face challenges with degraded visibility due to scratched or cracked lenses and the difficulty in changing or swapping lenses, especially in dynamic lighting environments, as existing systems often require professional intervention or disposal.
Innovation Solution
A reflex sighting optic design featuring a removably interconnected hood and base with a lens shelf and groove system, allowing users to easily replace lenses using simple hand tools, along with an LED emitter for reticle projection, enabling quick and user-friendly lens exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lenses are glued and housed in a static frame, then lens stability is improved, but lens replaceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optic is divided into separable components: the lens, the lens holder, and the main body. The lens can be independently removed from the lens holder by the user, while the lens holder remains attached to the optic. This segmentation allows the lens to be stable during use but easily replaceable when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens holder acts as an intermediary component between the lens and the main optic body. It provides a secure mounting mechanism for the lens during operation, but allows for easy removal and replacement. The holder includes features like grooves and protrusions that facilitate both stable retention and user-friendly replacement.
2Manufacturing precision
If lenses are professionally fixed, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens replacement system is designed to be self-service, allowing users to replace lenses themselves without professional intervention. The lens holder includes user-friendly features such as accessible grooves and alignment protrusions that enable precise lens installation by non-experts, eliminating the need for professional service while maintaining alignment precision.
3Device complexity
If lenses are permanently attached, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The lens holder provides a stable connection during operation but allows for easy removal and replacement. This dynamic capability enables users to interchange lenses based on different lighting conditions or damage, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 users to easily swap out broken or unsuitable lenses, improving visibility and reducing maintenance costs by allowing self-service replacement, particularly beneficial in austere environments like military use.
Implementation Method 1
An LED emitter is disposed at the proximal end of the base. The LED emitter is configured to provide a reticle projection on an inner surface of the lens.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm sighting optic that can have the lenses easily and quickly replaced by the user is disclosed. This sighting optics allows the lens to be inserted from the bottom of a red dot sighting unit and then be secured by set screws. The firearm sighting optic includes a base and a hood. The lens is removably retained with the firearm sighting optic by user removable fasteners securing the hood to the base. The lens is housed in a hood that makes sliding the replacement lens into the unit much easier. The hood and base include an interconnecting protrusion and recess for reliable alignment of the lens within the hood and the base.