Self-Compensating Weapon Sight Using Light Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weapon sights with optics or electronics are cumbersome, power-intensive, and distort the field of view when aiming high-trajectory ammunition, making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the target and achieve accurate shots, especially at long distances.
Innovation Solution
A self-compensating weapon sight with a static, one- or two-dimensional light-emitting array that displays an aiming point via partially reflective optics, a processor for calculating the aiming point based on distance and trajectory data, and optional features like a rangefinder and gyro for enhanced accuracy and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional weapon sights with optics or electronics are used, then aiming precision can be improved, but the device becomes cumbersome, power-intensive, and distorts the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of providing aiming information while removing complex optics and electronics. It uses a simple illuminated reticle with distance markings that can be directly viewed through the weapon sight without additional optical components, thereby maintaining aiming precision while reducing device complexity and power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex optics to create an artificial aiming point, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple illuminated reticle that displays distance markings directly in the field of view. The user activates the reticle based on estimated distance, eliminating the need for continuous optical processing and complex electronic systems
2Ease of operation
If conventional weapon sights with moving parts are used, then aiming functionality can be improved, but power consumption increases and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the user manually activate the reticle at specific intervals based on distance estimation, rather than using continuous power-consuming mechanisms. The reticle is illuminated only when needed, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle system is self-service in that it provides all necessary aiming information (distance markings and illumination) through a simple manual activation process. The user estimates distance and activates the corresponding reticle, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensors, processors, and power management systems
3Reliability
If iron sights with distance markings are used, then ruggedness and simplicity are improved, but the sight distorts the field of view and makes it difficult to maintain visual contact with the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by illuminating only the specific reticle corresponding to the estimated distance, rather than illuminating the entire sight. This localized illumination provides clear distance markings without overwhelming the field of view, maintaining both ruggedness and ease of operation by allowing the user to see the target clearly while having distance information available
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 sight provides a robust, lightweight, and energy-efficient solution that maintains a clear field of view, allowing for precise aiming and correction of aiming points, reducing power consumption and weight while increasing precision and first-shot accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, for visualization of an aiming point to the user via the partially reflective optics
Implementation Method 2
partially reflective optics, through which a user may observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A self-compensating weapon sight includesa housing,partially reflective optics, through which a user may observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously,a light source, for visualization of an aiming point to the user via the partially reflective optics,means for receiving a measure of the distance to the targeta processor, for determining the adequate position of the aiming point, based on the distance to the target, and for controlling the light source to emit light so that the aiming point is visualized at the adequate position,wherein the light source is an array capable of selectively emitting light in well defined locations on its surface.