Self-illuminated Sight Dot via Integrated Light Collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sighting devices with short segments of light gathering fiber optics struggle to provide sufficient brightness in low light conditions, and the installation of artificial light sources is time-consuming and error-prone due to alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-illuminating sighting device featuring a capsule with a continuous side wall and an elongate light collector, where an artificial light source is integrated or positioned to project radiant energy into the light collector, ensuring adequate illumination during dark or low light conditions, with the capsule's transparent or translucent materials facilitating light transmission and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If short segments of light gathering fiber optics are used, then the device structure is compact, but the light gathering ability is limited and insufficient brightness is achieved under low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines natural light gathering fiber optics with artificial light sources (LEDs or tritium devices) into a single integrated sighting device. This merging allows the device to maintain compact structure while achieving sufficient brightness by supplementing natural light with artificial illumination during low light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sighting device is designed to perform multiple functions: it gathers ambient light through fiber optics during daytime, and activates artificial light sources during nighttime or low light conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single compact device to provide adequate illumination across varying environmental conditions
2Illumination intensity
If artificial light sources are added to augment brightness, then sight point illumination is improved under low light conditions, but installation becomes time consuming and error prone due to alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial light sources are integrated within the capsule housing along with the fiber optic, forming a pre-assembled unit. This merging eliminates the need for field alignment of separate components, as the light sources and fiber optic are positioned relative to each other during manufacturing, significantly simplifying installation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment and positioning of artificial light sources relative to the fiber optic are performed in advance during the manufacturing process rather than during installation. This preliminary action ensures proper axial alignment is achieved under controlled conditions, making the final installation simple and error-free
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual components are installed separately into the sight cavity, then component flexibility is maintained, but installation precision is reduced due to difficulty in determining axial alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic and artificial light sources are merged into a single integrated assembly within the capsule before final installation into the sight. This merging ensures axial alignment precision is achieved during manufacturing when components can be precisely positioned, while still maintaining adaptability as the complete assembly can be installed as a unit
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic and light sources are nested within the capsule housing, forming a hierarchical structure where components are contained within a unified assembly. This nesting approach maintains component flexibility for manufacturing while ensuring precise relative positioning through the confining capsule structure
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
The solution provides consistent and reliable illumination in low light conditions, simplifying installation by ensuring axial alignment and enhancing the brightness of the sight point, thus improving usability and reducing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
Sighting devices using short segments of light gathering fiber optics, such as scintillating or fluorescent-doped fiber optics
Implementation Method 2
The light collector is formed such that light can be gathered along its length and transmitted to at least the first light collector end
Implementation Method 3
An artificial light source is oriented for projecting radiant energy into the second light collector end so that the sight point is viewable during dark or low light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated sighting device includes a capsule with an integrally formed lens that is adapted to face rearwardly for viewing by a user. An elongate light collector is positioned within the hollow interior of the capsule and is formed such that light can be gathered along its length and transmitted to its ends. One of the light collector ends is located adjacent to the first lens and defines a sight point or dot. An artificial light source is located within the capsule hollow interior and is oriented for projecting radiant energy into the second light collector end so that the sight point is viewable during dark or low light conditions.