Scope Ocular Alignment Tool for Precise Firearm Axis Leveling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescopic sight alignment tools fail to accurately align the horizontal and vertical axes of a scope with the corresponding axes of a firearm without external references, leading to potential misalignment and unintended lateral displacement of projectiles.

Innovation Solution

A telescopic sight alignment tool with a unitary block that attaches to the ocular of the scope, featuring a slit aligned with the vertical crosshair and a V-notch ocular seat, allowing rotation for precise alignment with elastic band retention, and external indicators for aligning with firearm features, enabling parallel alignment without external references.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing alignment tools are used, then alignment can be performed, but external references (distant objects, light sources) are required which compromise safety and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks from external references

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary alignment tool that uses the scope's own reticle as a reference. The tool includes a alignment indicator that is viewed through the scope reticle, creating a self-contained alignment system that eliminates the need for external references like distant objects or light sources, thereby improving safety while maintaining alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment tool utilizes the scope's existing reticle and optical system to perform the alignment function. By viewing the alignment indicator through the scope itself, the system serves itself for alignment purposes without requiring external aids, making the alignment process safer and more reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If traditional alignment methods are used, then alignment can be achieved, but the process requires external light sources or distant objects which reduces safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment process simplicityVSAvoidsafety concerns with external references

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary alignment tool that uses the scope's own reticle as a reference. The tool includes a alignment indicator that is viewed through the scope reticle, creating a self-contained alignment system that eliminates the need for external references like distant objects or light sources, thereby improving safety while maintaining alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment tool utilizes the scope's existing reticle and optical system to perform the alignment function. By viewing the alignment indicator through the scope itself, the system serves itself for alignment purposes without requiring external aids, making the alignment process safer and more reliable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the scope vertical axis is not aligned with the firearm vertical axis, then the scope can be installed, but lateral displacement of projectiles occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescope installationVSAvoidprojectile accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs alignment verification before final scope installation. The alignment tool allows the user to check and adjust the scope's vertical axis alignment with the firearm's vertical axis using the alignment indicator and reticle crosshairs, ensuring proper alignment is established prior to securing the scope mounts, thereby preventing lateral displacement issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8800154B2Telescopic sight alignment tool

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 SCHMIDT GERALD LEE

AI summary

The telescopic sight alignment tool is used to align the horizontal and vertical axes of the scope with corresponding axes of the firearm upon which the scope is mounted. The tool comprises a unitary structure having a plate with a vertical crosshair alignment slit, with an ocular seat extending forward from the lower portion of the plate. Upper and lower alignment indicators extend from the plate. Alternative embodiments provide variations upon the alignment indicators. The tool is placed upon the ocular of the scope and secured adjustably thereon with an elastic band. The tool is rotated to align the slit precisely with the vertical crosshair of the scope. The scope is then rotated in its mounts until at least one of the indicators of the tool is aligned with an element of the firearm, e.g., front sight, tang of the action, etc., and the mounts tightened to secure the scope.