Adjustable Shooting Target Bracket With AR-550 Steel

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shooting targets are difficult to transport and set up, lack a safe and predictable bullet deflection angle, and often use low-grade materials that can be damaged by projectiles, leading to unpredictable bullet paths.

Innovation Solution

A shooting target bracket made from high-grade AR-550 Abrasion Resistant Steel that is compact for transportation, easy to set up, and securely attaches to wood posts with a 20-degree safety angle, using a slotted mounting system and mechanical tightening to ensure stability and adjustability, while also housing electronic equipment for impact sensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high-grade AR-550 steel is used for the bracket, then durability and impact resistance are improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket applies high-grade AR-550 steel specifically at critical impact zones (front face and mounting surfaces) while using lighter gauge steel for non-critical structural components, achieving necessary strength without excessive overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket combines different steel grades and thicknesses within a single component, using AR-550 steel for impact-facing surfaces and lighter steel for structural support, creating a composite structure that optimizes both strength and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If the bracket is made compact for transportation, then portability is improved, but setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket is divided into separable components (mounting bracket, target holder, and adjustment mechanisms) that can be folded or disassembled for compact transport, then quickly reassembled at the shooting location using simple connection interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket incorporates movable and adjustable parts including telescoping legs, rotating mounting surfaces, and collapsible support structures that transition between compact storage configuration and expanded operational configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed mounting system is used, then structural stability is improved, but adjustability and versatility decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system features adjustable height mechanisms with lockable positions, allowing the bracket to be set at various heights while maintaining stable operation at each selected position through mechanical locking or friction-based fixation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional bolts and hardware are used to secure the target silhouette, then ease of manufacture is improved, but safety and predictability of bullet deflection worsen due to potential damage and unpredictable direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A specialized target retention system acts as an intermediary between the bracket and target silhouette, using features such as recessed mounting channels, friction-fit interfaces, or positive locking mechanisms that secure the target without protruding elements that could interfere with bullet deflection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is designed so that even if bullets strike the mounting hardware, the geometry and material properties of the AR-550 steel bracket ensure predictable deflection patterns, potentially converting harmful random deflection into controlled trajectory modification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11466967B2Adjustable bracket for shooting targets

Publication Date: 2022.10.11

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for a shooting target mounting bracket with improved portability, versatility, and safety over existing devices. The mounting bracket is easily adjustable for height, compactable for transportation, and compatible with existing target posts and existing target shapes.