Removable Lever for Optical Adjustment Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices with simple round power rings face challenges in quick magnification changes, as they do not accommodate individual shooter preferences and are prone to mechanical failure due to wear and temperature-related material changes.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a housing, a rotatably disposed adjustment ring featuring parallel channels, and a lever that can selectively engage with these channels, utilizing a fixation element such as a set screw, friction element, or detent to securely position the lever for easier adjustment of optical settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed protuberance on the adjustable power ring is used to gain leverage for magnification changes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the shooter cannot reposition the lever according to personal preference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed lever position to a movable lever that can be repositioned along the adjustment ring. The lever can be slid to different locations and secured at desired positions, allowing shooters to adapt the lever position to their hand size, grip style, and personal preference while maintaining the mechanical advantage for easy magnification adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment ring is divided into multiple discrete positions or zones where the lever can be positioned. This segmentation allows the lever to be placed at optimal intervals around the ring, providing multiple configuration options for different shooters while maintaining structural integrity of the adjustment mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamp mechanism with compressive engagement is used to allow lever repositioning, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear and temperature-related material changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compressive clamp mechanism with a positive engagement system using protrusions and recesses. Instead of relying on friction and compression forces that degrade over time, the lever features discrete engagement points that mechanically lock into corresponding features on the adjustment ring, providing reliable positioning without continuous compressive force
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism uses discrete positional parameters rather than continuous compression. The lever can be positioned at specific predetermined locations around the adjustment ring, changing from a continuous compression model to a discrete positioning model that is less sensitive to material wear and thermal expansion
3Device complexity
If a simple round power ring is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of leverage for quick magnification changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple round adjustment ring with an integrated lever mechanism. The lever is combined with the adjustment ring structure, allowing the ring to maintain its simple circular form while incorporating leverage elements that provide mechanical advantage for easier magnification adjustment without adding separate complex components
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 solution provides increased leverage for easier adjustment of optical settings, accommodating shooter preferences and reducing mechanical failure by allowing secure engagement of the lever within the channels, enhancing durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the friction element includes a material having a coefficient of friction greater than a coefficient of friction of at least one of the plurality of substantially parallel channels
Implementation Method 2
the optical device further includes a spring for biasing the friction element into a surface of at least one of the plurality of substantially parallel channels
Implementation Method 3
the fixation element has a set screw disposed in the lever, wherein rotation of the set screw displaces the lever in a direction substantially orthogonal to the at least one channel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device has a housing and an adjustment ring rotatably disposed about the housing. The adjustment ring defines a channel. A lever selectively engages with the channel and may be used to rotate the adjustment ring.