Target Sight Sensor Control for Automatic Magnifier Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical sights have limited sight range and require manual setup to utilize magnifiers, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A targeting sight with a proximity sensor or switch to automatically adjust its operation based on the position of an accessory, such as a magnifier, within its line of sight, allowing seamless transition between magnified and non-magnified views without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a magnifier is mounted on the sight to extend viewing range, then the sight range is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional manual setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesight rangeVSAvoidmanual setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sight system automatically detects when a magnifier is mounted and configures its own settings without requiring manual intervention. The processor detects the magnifier's presence through sensor data and automatically adjusts reticle selection and brightness levels, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensor feedback to detect the magnifier's presence and position, then the processor uses this information to automatically configure the sight settings. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual setup by continuously monitoring the optical path and adjusting parameters accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual setup is required to utilize the magnifier, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome configuration steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidmagnifier setup ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sight automatically detects the magnifier's presence and configures its own operating parameters without user intervention. The system monitors sensor data to determine when a magnifier is mounted and automatically selects appropriate reticles and adjusts brightness, making the system self-configuring rather than requiring manual setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple reticle options and brightness settings that can be automatically selected based on magnifier detection. By having multiple pre-programmed configurations ready, the system can instantly switch to the appropriate settings when a magnifier is detected, eliminating the need for users to manually configure parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the sight operates with fixed settings, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when switching between magnified and non-magnified views

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesight configurationVSAvoidviewing mode adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sight transitions from fixed settings to dynamic, automatically adjustable settings based on magnifier presence. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts reticle selection and brightness levels in real-time, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than remaining static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters (reticle type, brightness levels) based on detected magnifier presence. When a magnifier is detected, the system automatically switches to magnifier-optimized parameters including selecting appropriate reticles and adjusting brightness, thereby adapting to different viewing modes through parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and automatic adjustment of sight settings, enhancing usability and accuracy by automatically changing reticles and brightness levels based on the presence or position of the magnifier, thereby extending the effective viewing range and simplifying operation.

Implementation Method 1

A target sight (100) includes a sensor (110) to sense a position of a magnifier (200)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250327643A1Target sight with sensor
Publication Date: 2025.10.23 SIG SAUER INC
  • US20250327643A1 patent drawing
  • US20250327643A1 patent drawing
  • US20250327643A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An accessory system for a firearm includes a positionable magnifier, an accessory structured to operate in conjunction with the magnifier, a sensor configured to sense a position of the magnifier, and a processor configured to receive input from the sensor and adjust an operating mode of the accessory based on the input from the sensor. Methods are also described.