Adjustable Strike Detector for Customizable Target Practice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target systems do not allow for simple setup with exchangeable targets and adjustable strike detectors, failing to encourage precise aiming at specific areas of the target.

Innovation Solution

A target device with an adjustable strike detector attached to an adjustable neck, allowing customizable positioning of the strike detector behind the target, which can be secured by a retention body to vary the target and strike zone, and an actuator to release the target upon hitting the defined strike zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the strike detector is fixed in position, then the setup is simple, but the shooter cannot aim at specific areas of the target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidaiming flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The strike detector is mounted on an adjustable neck that allows it to move between fixed and variable positions. This dynamic positioning system enables the strike detector to be relocated along the target surface, allowing shooters to aim at specific areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall setup structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the target is fixed, then the setup is stable, but the practice becomes repetitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget stabilityVSAvoidtarget variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The target system is divided into separate components: the main target body remains fixed and stable, while the strike detector is segmented as a separate movable component on an adjustable neck. This segmentation allows the target to remain stable for consistent practice while the adjustable strike detector provides variety by enabling different aiming zones and practice scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the strike detector is adjustable, then the shooter can aim at specific areas, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrike zone customizationVSAvoidadjustable neck mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable neck provides dynamic positioning capability that allows the strike detector to be moved to different locations on the target. This single adjustable mechanism enables strike zone customization without requiring a complex system of multiple actuators or controls, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11796289B1Target practice device

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 COON ASHLEY KENDALL

AI summary

The target device provides a strike detector attached to an adjustable neck for adjusting the position of the strike detector behind a target. A housing is mounted at a desired location and height. A retention body secures a target to the housing. The target may be a paper target or other target. The retention body can secure different targets to vary the shooter's practice and to change the look that each shooter experiences. The adjustable strike detector allows placement of the strike detector in different positions behind the target to define a customizable strike zone. Upon hitting the strike detector at least once, the target device takes an action to indicate that the strike detector has been hit, such as the retention body releasing the target. The target then falls from the housing. Such releasing of the target notifies the user that the user has struck the strike zone and the strike detector the desired number of times to neutralize the target.