Firearm Scope Reticle Illumination with Multi-Color LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearm scopes lack advanced reticle illumination options, limiting user customization and functionality in terms of color and intensity control.
Innovation Solution
A scope design incorporating a light-emitting diode (LED) with a processor-controlled system, allowing users to select from multiple colors and intensity levels via push buttons, enabling mixed-color, dual-color, and intensity adjustment modes, with a reticle that appears black when not illuminated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional scope design is used, then the structure is simple, but the reticle illumination options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional illumination system where a single LED assembly provides multiple illumination colors (red, green, blue) and modes (mixed-color, dual-color, intensity adjustment) through electronic control. The processor-controlled system allows one physical component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate illumination systems, thereby increasing adaptability while managing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination colors are added, then user customization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an LED-based illumination system capable of emitting multiple colors (red, green, blue) and combining them to produce mixed colors. The processor controls the LED to provide user-selectable colors including mixed-color mode where the reticle appears as a mixed-colored reticle, dual-color mode with specific color combinations, and intensity adjustment capabilities. This approach enables extensive color customization while using a single controllable light source rather than multiple separate colored lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical color selection mechanisms with an electronically controlled LED system managed by a processor. Instead of using multiple physical filters, prisms, or separate light sources that would require mechanical switching, the system uses electronic control to modulate the LED output, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while expanding color options.
3Illumination intensity
If intensity control is implemented, then visibility in various lighting conditions is improved, but the control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic intensity control where the illumination intensity can be adjusted in real-time based on user input and environmental conditions. The processor-controlled system allows continuous or stepped adjustment of LED brightness levels, enabling the reticle illumination to adapt to various lighting conditions (daylight, low light, night vision compatibility). This dynamic control is integrated into the existing electronic architecture rather than requiring separate mechanical dimming mechanisms.
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
Provides enhanced reticle visibility and customization options, improving user experience by allowing selective color and intensity settings for improved target acquisition in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode, and a circuit board including a processor having a program, wherein the light-emitting diode is connected to the circuit board, wherein the program controls the light-emitting diode to emit one of at least three user-selectable colored lights upon the reticle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an assembly (50). The assembly (50) includes a substantially tubular body (5012) having an inner surface (5014a) and an outer surface (5014b), wherein the inner surface (5014a) forms a first passageway (5016) extending through the substantially tubular body (5012); a first portion including one or more components (52-60) disposed within the first passageway (5016) and connected to the inner surface (5014a), wherein the one or more components (52-60) of the first portion include a reticle (54), a light-emitting diode (56), and a circuit board (60) including a processor (75) having a program, wherein the light-emitting diode (56) is connected to the circuit board (60), wherein the program controls the light-emitting diode (56) to emit one of at least three user-selectable colored lights upon the reticle (54); and a second portion including one or more components (62-64) arranged upon the outer surface (5014b) of the substantially tubular body (5012), wherein the one or more components (62-64) of the second portion includes at least one push button (64) connected to the circuit board (60), wherein actuation at least one button (64) provides an input to the processor (75) to cause the program to control the light-emitting diode (56). A scope (10) is also disclosed. A method (100) is also disclosed.