Viewing Instrument Manual Field of View Adjustment via Bowden Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing instruments for vehicles, particularly armored vehicles, cannot independently set the aperture angle of the objective unit from the eyepiece unit without electrical or electronic auxiliary means.
Innovation Solution
A viewing instrument with a drive device that moves a lens system along the optical axis using a force transmission means, such as a Bowden cable, allowing manual adjustment of the field of view from the eyepiece unit to the objective unit, enabling selection of different field of view settings without electrical or electronic aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a drive device with force transmission means is added to enable manual adjustment of field of view, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A Bowden cable serves as the intermediary force transmission means, connecting the eyepiece unit to the objective unit. This cable transmits manual adjustment forces from the eyepiece to move the lens system in the objective, enabling field of view adjustment without electrical systems while maintaining mechanical simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system is mounted on an adjustable slide with end stops that allow the system to self-regulate its position. The end stops provide mechanical limits that prevent over-travel and maintain stable positioning at predefined field of view settings without requiring continuous active control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens system is made adjustable along the optical axis, then the adaptability is improved, but the stability under vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is mounted on an adjustable slide that can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the optical axis. This dynamic positioning capability allows selection between different field of view settings (e.g., narrow and wide angles) while maintaining stability at each selected position through mechanical end stops
Solution Approach 2:
End stops are pre-positioned at specific locations along the optical axis to define stable positioning points for the lens system. These predetermined positions correspond to specific field of view settings, allowing the system to quickly settle into stable configurations without requiring active control during vibrations
3Reliability
If manual adjustment mechanism is implemented, then the reliability in case of electrical failure is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical or electronic field of view adjustment mechanisms with a purely mechanical system. A Bowden cable transmits manual adjustment forces from the eyepiece unit to move the lens system in the objective unit, eliminating dependencies on electrical systems while maintaining adjustment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing instrument is divided into distinct functional modules: the eyepiece unit with manual adjustment controls, the Bowden cable force transmission system, the objective unit with adjustable lens system, and the optical waveguide bundle. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the added mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a viewing instrument (1) for observing the surroundings and aiming at targets in the surroundings of a vehicle, in particular an armored vehicle, comprising an eyepiece unit (2) and an objective unit (3) and comprising an optical waveguide bundle (4), which connects the objective unit (3) and the eyepiece unit (2) to each other, a drive device (5), which moves a lens system (6) of the objective unit (3) along the optical axis, specifically between two or more positions, every one of which being assigned to a different field of view setting, wherein the drive device (5) comprises a force transmission means (7) which connects the eyepiece unit (2) to the objective unit (3) and transmits a manual adjustment force from the eyepiece unit (2) to the objective unit (3).