Universal Bore Sight Tapered Arbor Magnetic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sighting devices for firearms require multiple pieces and complex attachments for different calibers, making them costly and cumbersome to use across various firearm calibers.
Innovation Solution
A bore sight device with a housing and a tapered arbor that automatically adjusts to fit different caliber firearms, using a magnetic surface for secure attachment and a spring to ensure alignment, allowing a single unit to be used across a range of bore diameters from 0.17 to 0.50 inches without additional fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate pieces are used for each caliber of firearm, then alignment precision for specific caliber is improved, but device complexity and quantity of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arbor is designed with a tapered geometry that allows it to be universally fitted into firearm bores of varying calibers. The taper enables the same arbor to accommodate different bore diameters through selective engagement depths, eliminating the need for multiple caliber-specific arbors while maintaining alignment precision across various firearm types.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbor features a telescopic or nested structure where sections can be extended or retracted to match different bore diameters. This nesting mechanism allows a single arbor unit to adapt to multiple caliber sizes by adjusting its effective diameter, reducing the total number of parts needed while preserving measurement accuracy for each specific caliber.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachments are provided for different calibers, then adaptability to various firearms is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arbor incorporates movable or adjustable sections that can dynamically adapt to different bore diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the user to operate a single attachment across multiple calibers without needing to physically swap between multiple fixed attachments, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining universal adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbor's effective diameter parameter can be changed by adjusting its extension depth or configuration. This parameter change capability enables the same physical object to function across different caliber ranges, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed attachments, thereby simplifying the operational process.
3Device complexity
If a single universal unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for specific calibers may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The arbor features zones of varying taper angles or surface properties along its length, with different sections optimized for specific caliber ranges. This local quality variation ensures that when the arbor is engaged at the appropriate depth for a given caliber, the local geometry provides optimal alignment precision for that specific bore diameter, maintaining accuracy despite the universal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The arbor is pre-configured with reference marks, engagement indicators, or mechanical stops that guide the user to the correct engagement depth for each caliber. This preliminary preparation ensures that even though a single universal arbor is used, the alignment precision for each specific caliber is maintained by preventing incorrect engagement depths that would compromise measurement accuracy.
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 quick and accurate alignment of optical sighting devices across a range of calibers, reducing the need for multiple units and simplifying the alignment process, while ensuring the device does not damage the firearm barrel.
Implementation Method 1
The bore sight has a spring to urge the arbor in the first direction and into the bore of the member
Implementation Method 2
The housing can have a magnet at the planar surface to secure the bore sight in engagement with the member
Data Source
AI summary
A bore sight (10) is provided that can be used with many calibers of firearms (12) to align optical devices such as rifle scopes. The bore sight (10) has a housing (22) with a spring loaded arbor (26) extending from one end thereof. The arbor (26) has a tapered face (32) varying in diameter in a range including popular calibers, such as .17 to .50 caliber. The arbor (26) is inserted in the end (20) of the barrel (18) as far as the caliber of the barrel (18) permits. The arbor (26) then starts retracting into the housing (22) against the spring force to allow the magnetic alignment face (24) of the housing to move into contact with the end (20) of the barrel to align the bore sight (10) with the centerline of the bore (16). A laser (30) on the bore sight (10) then projects a laser beam aligned with the bore centerline, allowing alignment of the optical device. Bore sight (100) forms a second embodiment and does not have an arbor (26). The bore sight (100) is hand centered on the end of the barrel and is fixed thereto by the attraction of the magnetic alignment face (24) to the barrel (18).