Single-Wire Bus for Optical Sight Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sighting devices require disassembly for calibration and configuration, leading to increased labor costs, product failure, and design complexity due to the need for special connectors, which are often inaccessible when fully assembled.
Innovation Solution
A single-wire communication system repurposes existing connectors for configuration and calibration, allowing digital communication with optical sighting devices through an existing external switch connector, eliminating the need for special secondary connectors and enabling retrofitting with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If special connectors are added for calibration and configuration, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing external switch connector is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its original purpose (switch activation) and a new purpose (calibration and configuration communication). The microcontroller detects the connected device type and routes signals appropriately, allowing the same physical connector to handle both simple switch operations and complex digital communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If the unit is disassembled for testing and calibration, then accessibility to connectors is improved, but labor cost and product reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration and configuration connector is pre-positioned to be accessible before final assembly is completed. The system is designed so that the connector remains accessible during manufacturing testing and calibration operations, eliminating the need for disassembly. This preliminary positioning of the connector solves the accessibility issue while maintaining product integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is made accessible when fully assembled, then ease of operation is improved, but design complexity and sealing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The external switch connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it accepts simple on/off switches during normal operation and also accepts calibration/configuration devices when needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accessible connectors, maintaining water/moisture sealing while providing accessibility for manufacturing operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard communication interfaces are used, then communication capability is improved, but wire quantity and connector complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The existing two-wire connector is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both switch activation signals and calibration/configuration data. The microcontroller implements protocol detection and routing to distinguish between simple switch operations and complex communication protocols, allowing standard interfaces to operate over the existing wire infrastructure without requiring additional wires or connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-wire serial data communications bus is established between an electronic accessory, such as an optical laser sight, and a host controller, using an externally accessible connector on the electronic accessory generally having another primary purpose, such as connection of a remote switch. The need for more complex connection schemes for calibration and control of the electronic accessory is thus eliminated. Furthermore, the single-wire bus enables a range of other host devices, such as a smart switch or an ambient light sensor module, which may provide more complex control options by sending serial control commands to the unit. Additionally, connected hosts may be parasitically powered through the communications bus to eliminate the need for separate batteries.