Weapon Sight Hall Effect Sensor Magnetic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weapon sights with external controls face issues of accidental activation and moisture/debris ingress due to the need for buttons or switches, which complicates user-selectable adjustments for reticle settings.
Innovation Solution
A weapon sight system utilizing Hall effect sensors and magnetic input tools to allow for user-selectable adjustments of reticle settings and brightness profiles without external controls, using a controller to adjust settings based on input signals generated by the sensors, and incorporating ambient light sensors for automatic brightness adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external buttons or switches are used for user controls, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental activation and moisture/debris ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons and switches with a magnetic field-based control system. A Hall effect sensor detects the position of a movable magnet, converting mechanical user input into magnetic field changes that trigger reticle adjustments. This eliminates physical contact points that could be accidentally activated or exposed to moisture and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the user and the control system. Instead of directly pressing buttons, the user moves a magnet that indirectly actuates the Hall effect sensor through magnetic field interaction. This intermediary mechanism provides tactile feedback while maintaining sealed control inputs that resist environmental contamination.
2Ease of operation
If external controls are provided for reticle adjustments, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and housing penetrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function into the existing housing structure by integrating the Hall effect sensor and magnet assembly within the sealed body. This eliminates the need for separate external control modules and reduces the number of housing penetrations required, as the magnetic field can couple through existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switch assemblies with a simpler magnetic field-based actuation system. The Hall effect sensor provides digital control signals directly from magnetic field detection, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, springs, and multiple housing openings that would be required for traditional button controls.
3Ease of operation
If multiple housing penetrations are used for controls, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture or debris ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical controls that require physical openings in the housing with a magnetic field-based system. The Hall effect sensor detects magnet position through the existing sealed housing structure, eliminating the need for additional penetrations that would create pathways for moisture and debris to ingress into the internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the magnetic field as an intermediary that can penetrate through housing materials without requiring physical openings. The magnet interacts with the Hall effect sensor through the housing wall itself, allowing control functionality to be maintained while preserving the sealed enclosure that protects internal components from environmental contaminants.
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
Provides a reliable and moisture-resistant method for adjusting reticle settings and brightness, reducing the risk of accidental activation and enhancing user control without external buttons or switches.
Implementation Method 1
The weapon sight includes a Hall effect sensor in electronic communication with the controller. The Hall effect sensor is arranged to generate an input signal in response to a magnet being disposed in proximity to the Hall effect sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The weapon sight may further include an ambient light sensor in electronic communication with the controller. The ambient light sensor is arranged to generate a brightness signal representative of an ambient light condition.
Data Source
AI summary
An weapon sight system includes a weapon sight having body with an optical element that is configured to superimpose a reticle that is visible through the optical element. The weapon sight includes a controller in electronic communication with and configured to control a light source. The light source may include an LED for generating a reticle image on the optical element at a plurality of different brightness conditions. The light source may include an array of LEDs for generating multiple different reticle images on the optical element. The weapon sight includes a Hall effect sensor in electronic communication with the controller to adjust user-selectable settings including reticle brightness or reticle image. The weapon sight system includes a magnetic input device for providing an input to the Hall effect sensor of the weapon sight.