Reticle Piece Level Indicator for Optical Sight Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sights lack an internal, power-free, and cost-effective method to indicate proper leveling, requiring shooters to divert their gaze or use complex electronic devices, which can misalign with the reticle.
Innovation Solution
A reticle piece with a cylinder-shaped body incorporating a level indicating device, featuring a moveable leveling indicator such as a ball or bubble, integrated between the reticle pattern and the optical sight's focal plane, providing a visual indication of the sight's level without external assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If external level devices are used, then level indication is provided, but the shooter must move his eye away from the view through the optical sight
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicating device is merged with the reticle assembly, combining the level indication function with the existing reticle structure. The level indicator is positioned within the reticle housing and views through the same optical path, allowing simultaneous viewing of both the level indication and the target through the optical sight.
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle assembly acts as an intermediary carrier for the level indicating device. By mounting the level indicator within the reticle housing and positioning it to view through the optical sight, the reticle assembly mediates between the level indication requirement and the continuous target viewing requirement.
2Loss of information
If electronic level devices are used, then internal level indication is provided, but power source and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicating device is passive and self-service, utilizing the existing optical path and light sources of the optical sight. The level indicator does not require its own power source, as it reflects or transmits light that passes through the optical sight, thereby indicating the level status without adding complexity or power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical level indication mechanism replaces complex electronic level sensing systems. By using simple optical elements such as prisms, mirrors, or graded index lenses that passively redirect light to indicate level status, the invention eliminates the need for electronic sensors, power sources, and associated complexity.
3Loss of information
If internal mechanical level devices are used, then level indication is provided, but misalignment with reticle can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The level indicating device is merged with the reticle assembly, ensuring they share the same mounting structure and optical path. This integration eliminates relative movement between the level indicator and reticle, maintaining consistent alignment and preventing misalignment issues that occur with separate mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the reticle pattern for aiming and simultaneously carries the level indicating device. This multi-functionality ensures that both the reticle and level indicator are subject to the same mounting and alignment requirements, maintaining their relative positions and preventing misalignment.
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 shooters to maintain focus on the target while ensuring the optical sight is properly leveled, enhancing accuracy by preventing bullet drop misalignment without increasing the sight's complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
A reticle piece with a cylinder-shaped body incorporating a level indicating device, featuring a moveable leveling indicator such as a ball or bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A reticle piece for use in an optical sight includes a generally cylinder-shaped body having a front face and a back face opposed therefrom. The reticle piece includes a reticle pattern and a level indicating device positioned between the front face and the back face of the body. The level indicating device includes a moveable leveling indicator.