Top-Mounted Control Design for Miniature Red Dot Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature red dot sights (MRDSs) face challenges with control accessibility, as side-mounted controls favor either right- or left-handed shooters and can be blocked when the firearm is holstered, while top-mounted controls are difficult to access, especially with gloves on and when the emitter is obscured.
Innovation Solution
A viewing optic with a housing featuring a control positioned on the top side, which includes at least two adjustment means, such as depressible buttons, and is contained within a recess, allowing for ambidextrous control and accessibility even when the firearm is holstered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are positioned on the side of the housing, then controls are easily accessible for right- or left-handed shooters, but controls favor only one handedness and can be blocked when the firearm is holstered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the control from the traditional side-mounted position (horizontal dimension) to the top-mounted position (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the control to be accessible from above regardless of the shooter's handedness, while also remaining accessible when the firearm is holstered at the waist, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If controls are positioned on the top of the base, then controls provide ambidextrous access, but space to reach controls is limited and user's finger blocks the emitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control structure by providing a recess in the top surface that houses the control element. This segmentation creates a dedicated control zone that is spatially separated from the emitter opening, allowing the user's finger to press the control without blocking the emitter, thus resolving the contradiction between ambidextrous control and ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If controls are positioned on the side of the housing, then controls are easily accessible, but controls can be blocked when the firearm is holstered
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the control from the side (horizontal access) to the top (vertical access), the patent enables users to reach controls from above even when the firearm is holstered at the waist, thus simultaneously maintaining ease of operation and adaptability for holstered adjustments
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 top-mounted control design provides equal access for right- and left-handed users, remains unobstructed during adjustments, and allows for adjustments while the firearm is holstered, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
MRDSs use a reflective optical system to project light toward the user to see the target field and the illuminated red dot reticle
Implementation Method 2
MRDSs use a reflective optical system to project light toward the user
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 a top side and top side. A control is positioned on the top side. The viewing optic may be a miniature red dot sight, such as a closed red dot sight.