Selectable Fixed-Focus Binoculars with Detent Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fixed-focus binoculars lack a mechanism for users to selectively focus and fix the focus setting, requiring reliance on eyesight and being unsuitable for individual vision calibration, limiting their versatility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A selectable fixed-focus binocular with a detent engagement mechanism, including a control knob, axle, and adjustable optical elements, allowing users to set and lock a focus setting, providing tactile feedback and easy transition between manual and fixed-focus modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional binocular with manual focus and adjustable diopter is used, then high-resolution viewing is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires user familiarity with operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic focus system that can transition between manual focus mode and fixed-focus mode. The focus mechanism includes a movable focus member that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis, allowing the binocular to adapt between requiring user adjustment and providing automatic fixed focus, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The binocular device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a traditional manual focus binocular for high-resolution viewing, and also as a fixed-focus binocular for simplicity and quick image acquisition. The focus adjustment mechanism serves dual purposes, making the device universally applicable to different viewing scenarios without requiring separate devices
2Ease of operation
If a fixed-focus binocular is used, then simplicity and quick image acquisition are achieved, but the adaptability to different focus distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The focus mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the binocular to switch between a fixed focus position for quick acquisition and a manual adjustment mode for adapting to different distances. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both simplicity when needed and adaptability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The binocular comes pre-configured with a fixed-focus setting that provides immediate usability upon activation. The focus member is pre-positioned at a default location that enables quick image acquisition without requiring user adjustment, while still allowing manual adjustment if needed for different distances
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional binocular is used, then adaptability to different focus settings is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases for users unfamiliar with manual focus adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The binocular is designed with a pre-configured fixed-focus setting that automatically provides the correct focus without requiring user knowledge or manual adjustment. This preliminary configuration ensures ease of operation for users unfamiliar with manual focus mechanisms while still maintaining adaptability through the optional manual adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed-focus mode allows the binocular to self-adjust and maintain focus automatically without requiring user intervention or familiarity with manual adjustment mechanisms. The system serves itself by providing immediate correct focus upon activation, making it easy to operate for all users while retaining versatility through manual mode when needed
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 users to easily switch between manual and fixed-focus settings, accommodating individual vision and enhancing usability for both the owner and shared users, while maintaining simplicity and quick image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
A ball and spring may be disposed in a detent recess defined in the axle. The spring may exert a force on the ball, wherein a portion of the ball is disposed within the axial keyway when the control knob is rotated to align the axial keyway with the detent recess.
Data Source
AI summary
A selectable fixed-focus binocular that is highly functional and simple to operate for the end consumers. The binocular combines the close and fine focusing advantages of a traditional binocular with the ease of use offered in a fixed-focus or focus-free style unit to make a versatile, user-selectable focus style binocular. The end-user can use the binocular in a typical, manual focus mode or manipulate the control knob to transition for use as a simple, fixed-focus unit.