Top-Mounted Solar Panel Controls for Ambidextrous Red Dot Sights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature red dot sights (MRDSs) face challenges with control accessibility, particularly for ambidextrous use and when holstered, due to control placement on the sides or base of the housing, which can obscure the emitter and limit adjustments, especially with gloves on, and integrating solar panels complicates the design.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel control assembly positioned on the top side of the housing, comprising at least one solar panel electrically connected to a printed circuit board, with a recess or membrane cover, allowing for ambidextrous control and adjustment without blocking the light path, featuring a depressible switch or rocker switch for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are positioned on the side of the housing, then the controls are easily accessible for right- or left-handed shooters, but the controls favor only one handedness and can be blocked when holstered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions controls on the top surface of the housing rather than on the sides, creating a symmetric arrangement that allows both right-handed and left-handed shooters to access controls equally. This top-mounted position is inherently accessible from either side of the firearm, eliminating the handedness limitation of side-mounted controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions control placement from the horizontal plane (sides of housing) to the vertical plane (top surface of housing). This dimensional change allows controls to be positioned in a location that is naturally accessible from both sides of the firearm while preventing obstruction when the firearm is holstered, as the controls are above the holster plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controls are positioned on the top of the base, then the MRDS is ambidextrous, but the space is limited making adjustments difficult when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized control zone on the top surface with sufficient surface area and appropriate spacing to accommodate gloved fingers. The control area is designed with specific dimensional characteristics that provide adequate leverage and contact area for gloved operation, rather than simply placing small buttons on the top surface.
3Ease of operation
If a user adjusts controls on an open MRDS, then the user can access controls, but the user's finger blocks the emitter preventing observation of brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions controls on the top surface of the housing, spatially separating the control interaction zone from the optical path through the emitter. This dimensional separation allows users to adjust controls with their fingers without blocking the light path, as the controls are positioned above the emitter rather than in front of it.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are integrated into the MRDS, then alternative power is provided, but space for multiple features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates solar panels into the housing structure, allowing the same surface area to serve dual purposes: as a structural/component housing element and as an energy collection surface. This multi-functional design provides alternative power without proportionally increasing the overall device volume or complexity.
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, ambidextrous control access and solar panel integration without obstructing the light path, allowing adjustments even when holstered, improving usability for both right- and left-handed users and reducing operational difficulties with gloves.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel control assembly positioned on the top side, wherein the solar panel control assembly comprises at least one solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing optic has a housing having a front side containing an optical element, a rear side containing a rear cover, a left side, a right side, and top side. A solar panel control assembly with at least one solar panel is positioned on the top side. The viewing optic may be a miniature red dot sight, such as a closed red dot sight.