Rotatable Clamp Level Indicator for Telescopic Sights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-cant devices for telescopic sights require excessive space for installation and use multiple fasteners, complicating the process and increasing the risk of loss or misplacement, while also limiting the number of additional accessories that can be mounted on the scope.
Innovation Solution
A level indicator with hingedly engageable, arcuate clamp members featuring a uniquely shaped and angled cylindrical joint, allowing for rotatable installation without axial sliding and secure locking with a single threaded fastener, and a skeletonized level housing for optimal light refraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing anti-cant devices use axially slidable joints with multiple fasteners, then the devices can be securely mounted on the scope, but the installation process becomes complex and requires excessive space along the longitudinal axis of the scope
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-cant device is divided into a body portion and a level indicator portion that can be separately assembled. The body portion attaches to the scope first, then the level indicator portion is connected to it, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using axially slidable joints that require sliding motion along the scope axis, the invention uses a rotatable joint that connects perpendicular to the scope axis. This inversion of the connection orientation eliminates the need for axial sliding space and reduces installation complexity
2Reliability
If existing anti-cant devices require multiple fasteners for attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but the risk of loss or misplacement of fasteners increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single fastener system. The body portion uses a set screw that engages with a slot and rounded portion, while the level indicator portion uses a bayonet-style quarter-turn latch, reducing the number of fasteners from multiple to one or two per component
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features. The rounded portion of the body portion aligns with the slot in the level indicator portion, and the bayonet latch automatically engages when rotated into position, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and multiple fasteners
3Reliability
If existing anti-cant devices require excessive free space along the scope for installation, then secure mounting is possible, but the number of additional accessories that can be mounted on the scope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection joint is oriented perpendicular to the scope axis rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change allows the device to be mounted in a direction that does not consume valuable longitudinal space on the scope, thereby preserving space for other accessories while maintaining secure mounting
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 precise vertical alignment of telescopic sights with minimal space requirements, reducing cant error and simplifying installation, while allowing for more versatile accessory mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a skeletonized level housing for optimal light refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A level indicator for a telescopic sight can comprise a lower clamp member including a first end defining a threaded aperture and a second end defining a cylindrical head, and an upper clamp member including a first end defining an access hole and a second end defining a socket in which the cylindrical head is receivable. The upper clamp member is rotatable about the cylindrical head to form between the respective first ends of the clamp members a gap through which the telescopic sight is receivable into a space defined between the upper and lower clamp members. A level housing in which a level is received can extend from either clamp member. A single threaded fastener is receivable in the threaded aperture through the access hole to secure the upper clamp member to the lower clamp member around the telescopic sight.