Self-Centering Adaptor for Optical Devices Using Flexible Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices lack a simple and universal method to align and securely connect with electronic devices having cameras, as prior adaptors are limited by specific diameters, materials, and contours of the eyepiece end, requiring user adjustments and not being self-centering.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering adaptor device with a main body and protrusions, including frictional segments, that aligns with the optical axis of optical devices across a range of diameters and materials, eliminating the need for user adjustments by forming a snug and conforming fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-diameter plastic ring is used to connect to optical devices, then the adaptor can be simple in structure, but it can only work with specific sizes and materials of eyecups, limiting its versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor uses a flexible band instead of a fixed-diameter ring, allowing the structure to dynamically adapt to different diameters of eyecups. The flexible band can bend and conform to various sizes, enabling the same adaptor design to work with multiple optical device types while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor changes the parameter of the connecting structure from fixed diameter to variable diameter through the use of a flexible band. This parameter change allows the adaptor to accommodate a range of eyecup diameters without requiring multiple specialized designs, thus improving versatility while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping mechanism with screw adjustment is used, then the adaptor can fit a wider range of diameters, but it requires user adjustments and is not self-centering, increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible band adaptor is self-adjusting and self-centering. When placed over the eyecup, the flexible band automatically conforms to the eyecup's diameter and centers itself without requiring user intervention for adjustment or centering. This eliminates the need for screw mechanisms and manual operations while maintaining adaptability across different diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw adjustment system with a flexible band system that uses elastic deformation and friction to achieve both adaptation to different diameters and self-centering. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components and manual adjustment operations.
3Strength
If threads on the adaptor are used to match threads on the optical device, then the connection can be secure, but the adaptor becomes specific to a single diameter and thread pitch, reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a friction-based flexible band system. The flexible band secures the optical device through friction and normal force without requiring threads, thereby eliminating the limitation of single-thread-pitch compatibility while maintaining secure connection across various device types.
4Reliability
If an integrated camera is built into optical devices, then imaging recording capabilities are achieved, but the design becomes bulky, heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging recording function is segmented from the optical device and placed in a separate electronic device (such as a smartphone or camera). The adaptor enables these two separate devices to work together, allowing the optical device to remain lightweight while the electronic device provides the camera functionality. This segmentation avoids the need to integrate heavy camera components into the optical device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor creates a universal connection system that allows various lightweight electronic devices with cameras to be attached to optical devices. Instead of building a dedicated heavy camera into each optical device, the system leverages the camera capabilities of multiple different electronic devices, achieving imaging recording while keeping the optical device itself lightweight.
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 easy, secure, and universal connection of electronic devices with optical devices, ensuring proper alignment without user intervention, accommodating various sizes and types of optical devices with a single adaptable solution.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of protrusions are formed of a resilient material and are capable of conforming to an external cylindrical housing of an optical device
Implementation Method 2
each protrusion consists of at least one of a first member and a first member having a frictional segment
Data Source
AI summary
This invention comprises an adaptor device for connecting an electronic device having a camera to a range of optical devices, including but not limited to binoculars, monoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, telescopes, and microscopes. This adaptor device has a plurality of protrusion that provide a self-centering and fitted connection between the electronic and optical device, so that the optical axes are aligned so that the user may take images or video on their electronic device through the optical device. The structure of the adaptor device allows the adaptor to fit a range of differently sized optical device, denoted by the diameter of the eyepiece end of the optical device.