Combined Click and Lock Reticle Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reticle adjustment devices for long-range optical devices, such as telescopic sights, are often complex in design due to the structural separation of blocking and click functionalities, necessitating a simpler yet reliable solution for reticle adjustment with effective locking and click mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A reticle adjustment device incorporating a combined click and lock feature, utilizing a transmission element and adjustment element with mechanical interaction through threaded elements, allowing for both acoustic/haptic feedback and blocking functionality in two operating modes, with a spring force mechanism to manage movement and force limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate locking device and click device are used, then reliable locking and clicking functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking and clicking functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking device and click device into a single integrated mechanism. The blocking element serves dual functions: it provides locking by blocking rotational movement of the adjustment actuating element, and simultaneously provides click feedback through its interaction with the click surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate locking and clicking components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both locking and clicking functions. By giving a single element multiple roles, the patent reduces the total number of components needed in the system. The blocking element's engagement with the click surface during its blocking action generates the click feedback, making the same component serve universal purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If adjustment actuating element is freely movable, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of position locking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment movementVSAvoidposition locking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between blocking and non-blocking states. During normal adjustment operation, the blocking element moves out of the blocking position, allowing free rotational movement of the adjustment actuating element. When locking is required, the blocking element moves into position to block further rotation. This dynamic behavior maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable position locking when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The click device provides tactile and acoustic feedback to the operator during adjustment operations. As the adjustment actuating element rotates, the blocking element periodically engages with the click surface, generating click feedback that confirms discrete adjustment positions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the operator can reliably determine the reticle's position while maintaining smooth operational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 a functionally and constructively simple reticle adjustment mechanism with reliable locking and click functionality, ensuring precise adjustments while preventing excessive force or torque that could damage the device, maintaining operational integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element (33) connected between the pin element (31) and the second click device element (10), via which the second click device element (10) is movable against the click surface (12) under spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The coupling between the transmission element and the adjusting element can be formed by mechanical interaction, i.e., typically an engagement, of threaded elements on the transmission element side and mating threaded elements on the adjusting element side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreaded mechanical interaction: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The second click device element (10) is thus always moved against the click surface (12) of the first click device element (9) in such a way that there is always mechanical contact between the second click device element (10) and the first click device element (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3879220B1Device for adjusting a riflescope setting
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 STEINER OPTIK
  • EP3879220B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3879220B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3879220B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Device (1) for adjusting a reticle (2), comprising: - an adjustable reticle (2), - a reticle adjustment device (3), which includes an adjustment actuating element (7) movably mounted in one degree of freedom of adjustment movement and which is to be actuated by an operator for adjusting the reticle (2), - a combined click and locking device (8), which includes a surface (11) at least partially formed by a three-dimensional, in particular tooth-like, surface.The first click device element (9) is provided with a surface structuring (11') formed by a click surface (12) and comprises a second click device element (10) which is movably mounted relative to the first click device element and engages with the click surface (12) of the first click device element (9), wherein the combined click and locking device (8) is configured in a first operating mode to generate acoustic and/or haptic feedback perceptible to an operator when the adjusting actuating element (7) is moved in the at least one degree of freedom of movement, and in a second operating mode to lock movements of the adjusting actuating element (7) in the at least one degree of freedom of movement.