Rifle Scope Optical Alignment via Barrel Angular Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rifle scope alignment methods are time-consuming, prone to human error, and subject to misalignment due to environmental and mechanical factors, leading to inaccurate shots.
Innovation Solution
A rifle scope equipped with optical sensors and a controller that automatically determines the angular position of the barrel, allowing for precise alignment with the firearm by capturing optical data and adjusting the reticle accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual boresight method is used to align scope reticle with barrel, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and potentially inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated optical-mechanical system. Optical sensors detect the angular position of the barrel, and a controller automatically adjusts the reticle position through mechanical actuators, eliminating manual intervention and improving both speed and accuracy of alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting barrel position and adjusting reticle alignment without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by using its own optical sensors and controllers to maintain accurate alignment, reducing dependency on manual operations.
2Reliability
If manual adjustments are made to align scope, then alignment can be achieved, but human error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses optical sensors and electronic controllers to adjust the reticle position, eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system incorporates feedback mechanisms where optical sensors continuously monitor barrel position and provide data to the controller, which automatically makes adjustments to maintain accurate alignment. This closed-loop feedback system ensures high reliability by constantly correcting any deviations without human intervention.
3Reliability
If scope is mounted on rifle, then scope can provide target engagement aid, but alignment may move and change due to shock, heat, vibration, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based alignment maintenance system where optical sensors continuously detect changes in barrel angular position caused by shock, heat, or vibration. The controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the reticle position to compensate for environmental and mechanical effects, maintaining alignment stability under varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system transitions from a static fixed alignment to a dynamic adaptive alignment that can adjust in real-time. The system uses movable components actuated by the controller to dynamically compensate for changing environmental and mechanical conditions, ensuring continuous alignment accuracy.
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
This solution enables quick and accurate alignment of the rifle scope with the barrel, reducing human error and maintaining alignment despite environmental and mechanical changes, resulting in improved shot accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A rifle scope includes at least one optical sensor configured to capture optical data corresponding to at least one of a barrel of a firearm and an appendage coupled to the barrel. The rifle scope further includes a controller coupled to the at least one optical sensor and configured to determine an angular position of the barrel in response to capturing the optical data. The controller is configured to automatically determine an alignment of the rifle scope relative to the barrel in response to determining the angular position.