Telescopic Sight Movable Mirror for Large Elevation Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescopic sights for firearms face challenges in adjusting the angle between the barrel and the sight for large elevation angles, leading to impractical and imprecise adjustments, especially for parabolic shots exceeding 10°, and existing solutions compromise robustness and simultaneous direct viewing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic sight design featuring a movable mirror adjustable by 90°−α to align with the barrel axis, incorporating additional mirrors and optical elements like semi-transparent mirrors, an inclinometer, and a computer-controlled actuator for precise angle adjustments, maintaining line of sight alignment without moving the entire sight, and enhancing robustness with a sealed housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an adjusting screw and hinge are used to adjust the angle between the barrel and telescopic sight, then fine adjustment precision is achieved, but adjustment becomes impractical and tedious for large elevation angles greater than 5 or 10 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static adjusting screw mechanism with a dynamic system that allows the entire telescopic sight assembly to be quickly repositioned to different elevation angles. This enables rapid adaptation to large angle changes without the tedious incremental adjustments required by traditional screw mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the adjustment parameter from small incremental angle changes (suitable for screw adjustment) to large overall position changes. By allowing the telescopic sight to be mounted at predetermined large angles relative to the barrel axis, the system accommodates parabolic shot requirements without being constrained by the limited range of conventional adjusting screws.
2Productivity
If rapid adjustment systems are used to enable quick angle changes for large elevation angles, then adjustment speed is improved, but mechanical robustness deteriorates due to movement of the entire telescopic sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment function from the optical system by providing a separate mounting mechanism that positions the entire telescopic sight assembly at predetermined angles relative to the barrel. This separates the rapid repositioning function from the precision optical alignment function, allowing quick angle changes without compromising the robustness of the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic sight is pre-mounted on the firearm at specific predetermined angles during assembly or setup. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid engagement at different elevation angles without requiring movement or repositioning of the telescopic sight itself during operation, thereby maintaining mechanical robustness while enabling fast adjustment between predetermined settings.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mirror systems are used in telescopic sights, then optical path steering is achieved, but simultaneous direct viewing capability is lost, causing difficulties during initial aiming especially at high magnifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter or semi-transparent mirror as an intermediary optical element that allows a portion of the light to pass through to the objective lens while reflecting another portion to the eyepiece. This intermediary component enables both direct viewing and magnified viewing through the same optical path, facilitating easy initial aiming while maintaining the ability to use magnification when needed.
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 precise and robust angle adjustments for large elevation angles, maintaining line of sight alignment and improving mechanical robustness, while allowing for direct viewing and correcting azimuthal deviations, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens, on the first optical axis
Implementation Method 2
a first movable mirror defining a first optical axis... a second mirror at 45° to the first optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a telescopic sight for a firearm for firing in a downward arc comprising: —a first movable mirror defining a first optical axis, the angle of said first movable mirror being adjustable so as to transmit, during use, the image of a target at an angle of 90°−α with respect to the axis of the barrel of the firearm, α being the desired angle of elevation for a given shot; —an objective lens, on the first optical axis; —a second mirror at 45° with respect to the first optical axis, defining a second optical axis that is parallel to the axis of the barrel of the firearm; —an ocular lens on the optical pathway defined by the mirrors projecting the image of the target to infinity.