Rifle Scope Elevation Windage Adjustment Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rifle scope elevation and windage knobs suffer from inaccuracies due to mechanical linkage imperfections and the difficulty of determining adjustment rotations without interrupting the shooting process.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a laser assembly to emit a beam along the optical axis, a 2-axis position sensor to measure the beam position, and a data processor to determine the pointing direction, allowing for accurate angle measurement and adjustment without removing the eye from the scope, along with electric actuators and user input devices for precise angle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical linkage is used for elevation and windage adjustment, then the scope can be adjusted, but inaccuracies are introduced due to tolerance and looseness in the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with an optical measurement system. A laser assembly emits a beam along the optical axis, and a 2-axis position sensor detects the beam position to determine the pointing angle. This substitution eliminates the tolerance and looseness issues inherent in mechanical linkages, providing accurate measurement without relying on mechanical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary to transfer the optical axis direction information to the position sensor. The laser beam serves as a mediator that carries the pointing angle information from the optical train to the measurement device, enabling accurate measurement without direct mechanical contact or linkage.
2Measurement precision
If the shooter removes their eye from the scope to check pointing angle, then the angle can be verified, but the shooting process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the measured pointing angle is displayed within the shooter's field of view through the scope. The position sensor continuously monitors the laser beam position and provides real-time feedback on the pointing angle, allowing the shooter to verify the angle without removing their eye from the scope, thus maintaining continuous observation and eliminating interruption.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical knobs are used for adjustment, then the shooter can adjust the pointing angle, but cannot determine how far the knobs have been rotated without remembering the rotations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time feedback on the pointing angle through the displayed measurement information. As the shooter rotates the adjustment knobs, the system continuously measures and displays the current pointing angle, providing immediate visual feedback on the adjustment amount. This eliminates the need to remember the number of rotations, as the exact angle is continuously displayed in the field of view.
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 shooting accuracy by providing real-time pointing angle feedback within the shooter's field of view, reducing mechanical errors and allowing for precise adjustments without interrupting the shooting process.
Implementation Method 1
a laser assembly, positioned to emit a beam along the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A rifle scope, comprising: a scope housing and an optical train, supported in the scope housing and defining an optical axis having a pointing direction. Also, a pointing angle adjustment electrical user input device includes a first button having a first position that does not cause the pointing angle to change, and a second position that causes a progressive change in the pointing angle over time in a first direction. The user input device also includes a second button, also having a first position and a second position and wherein placing the second button in the second position causes the pointing angle to change over time in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Finally, the rifle scope includes an electric actuator, adapted to change the pointing direction, responsive to the user input device.