Waisted Binocular Telescope Tubes for Reduced Hand Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional binocular telescopes are unwieldy and cause hand fatigue due to their large diameter and design, making them uncomfortable to use for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A binocular telescope design with offset optical axes and a compact, ergonomically designed tube structure, featuring a hinged bridge for adjusting interpupillary distance, concave retaining recesses, and a Schmidt-Pechan prism system to reduce hand fatigue and improve handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional binocular telescope design is used, then optical performance is maintained, but the telescope becomes unwieldy and causes hand fatigue due to large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a waist section that reduces the tube diameter in the radial direction while maintaining the optical path length. The offset optical axes allow the beam path to be folded within a compact form factor, effectively moving the optical design from a straight-line configuration to a folded path that utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by offsetting the first and second optical axes from each other, creating an asymmetric optical path within the tube. This asymmetric arrangement allows the beam to traverse the tube length efficiently while the waist section provides a compact grip area, resolving the contradiction between optical performance and handling comfort.
2Duration of action of moving object
If extended holding period is considered, then user comfort is improved, but hand fatigue increases with conventional design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a waist section with a reduced diameter specifically in the grip area, while maintaining the full diameter at the objective and eyepiece ends where optical performance is critical. This localized modification provides a comfortable grip for extended holding periods without compromising the optical path or image quality.
3Ease of operation
If offset optical axes are used, then ergonomics is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the offset optical axis configuration and waist section geometry during the design and manufacturing phase. This allows the complex asymmetric optical path to be built in once with precise alignment features, rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during field use, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the initial manufacturing precision requirements.
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 design achieves improved ergonomics and reduced hand fatigue, enhancing user comfort and handling, particularly when holding the telescope for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
with a prism reversing system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a binocular telescope (1) with two tubes (2) which are connected to each other by a hinged bridge (5) pivotable about a pivot axis (4) for adjusting the interpupillary distance (3), wherein each of the two tubes (2) has a beam path with a first optical axis (17) of an objective lens (18), with a second optical axis (17) of an eyepiece (19) and with a prism reversing system (20), wherein the first optical axis (17) of the objective lens (18) and the second optical axis (17) of the eyepiece (19) are offset parallel to each other by a distance (21), and wherein the first optical axis (17) of the objective lens (18) and the second optical axis (17) of the eyepiece (19) lie in a common plane (22), wherein outer surfaces (52) of the two tubes (2) in a section of their longitudinal extension palallele to the optical axis (17), which is connected by a Longitudinal extent of the prism inversion system (20) overlaps,with respect to a direction perpendicular to the plane (22) have a waist (53), wherein the diameter ratio of a diameter of the waist (53) and a diameter of the cylindrical surfaces circumscribing the outer sides of the two tubes (2) is less than 80%, in particular 60-70%.