Acoustic Target System for Small Arms Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional firearm training systems are often expensive, require significant setup time, and limited in feedback, making them unsuitable for flexible and cost-effective training in various environments.

Innovation Solution

A low-cost, deployable small arms training system that includes a control system, shooter system with user interface, and target system linked via a mesh radio network, utilizing GPS and sensors to provide accurate positioning and scoring based on dynamic factors like distance and firearm type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional electronic training systems are used, then feedback capability is improved, but cost and setup time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback capabilityVSAvoidsetup time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic detection systems with acoustic sensors that detect bullet passage through the target. This substitution of acoustic detection for electronic tracking reduces system complexity, setup time, and cost while maintaining feedback capability through audio signals and basic electronic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses acoustic copies (sound waves) of bullet impact events to detect and record shooting data. By capturing acoustic signatures of bullet passage through the target and using these acoustic copies for analysis and feedback, the system achieves effective tracking without requiring complex electronic sensing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional training systems are deployed, then training capability is provided, but flexibility and deployability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and deployabilityVSAvoidtraining effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The target system is designed with multiple sensor types (acoustic sensors, video sensors, laser sensors, electro-optical sensors, temperature sensors) that can detect various projectile types and training scenarios. This multi-functional sensor array enables the same system to reliably track different calibers, firearm types, and training conditions across diverse deployment environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic scoring that adjusts based on real-time conditions including shooter distance, caliber, firearm type, and environmental factors. This dynamic adaptation allows the training system to maintain reliability and effectiveness across varying deployment scenarios while preserving flexibility in how and where training occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If accurate projectile location detection is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojectile location accuracyVSAvoidsensor array and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect projectile location. By measuring the time difference of arrival of acoustic signals at multiple sensors, the system calculates bullet impact points with high precision. This acoustic intermediary simplifies the detection process compared to direct electronic tracking while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses time as an additional dimension to determine spatial location of projectile impacts. By measuring the time difference of arrival of acoustic signals at sensors positioned at known locations, the system triangulates bullet impact points in two-dimensional space, achieving high measurement precision through temporal measurement rather than direct spatial detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 flexible, accurate, and cost-effective training with real-time feedback, reducing setup time and maintenance, and allowing for ad-hoc deployment in different environments.

Implementation Method 1

sensors to detect a projectile passing through the target area... the target system computes the projectile location from a time difference of arrival of sound waves at the sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound waves: Sound

Implementation Method 2

a GPS module to determine a location of the target... configured to receive GPS information for accurate positioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGPS satellite signal reception:

Data Source

PatentUS9651343B2Methods and apparatus for small arms training

Publication Date: 2017.05.16 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Method and apparatus for a small arms training system. In exemplary embodiments, a training system includes a control system, shooter systems that can include a user interface, and a target system that collects projectile position information in relation to a target. In one embodiment, the systems are linked via a mesh radio network and are configured to process GPS information for rapid and accurate positioning of the shooter in relation to the target.