Adjustable Target Mount with Retractable Support Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target mounts for shooting ranges are limited by their inability to adjust to varying floor heights, accommodate different target sizes, and minimize interference with other targets, particularly when not in use, due to exposed support arms that can cause ricochets or obstruct the line of fire.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable target mount with a movable support arm that can be pivoted downward when not in use, combined with easily customizable steel struts that allow for height adjustments during installation and post length modifications, enabling the mount to accommodate various target heights and actuation mechanisms without requiring extensive disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support arms extend upwardly to secure the top of the target, then the target is properly supported, but the arms are exposed to bullets and may cause ricochets or interfere with shooting at adjacent targets
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between an extended position (when supporting a target) and a retracted position (when not in use). This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by enabling the arm to provide support when needed while removing the hazard when idle.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aspect (the extended support arm in the line of fire) is extracted or removed from the operational position when not needed. The arm can be pivoted out of the line of fire to adjacent positions, effectively taking the hazard out of the shooting path while maintaining the capability to restore support when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple targets are arranged in rows across the range, then shooting variety is provided, but front row target mounts may partially obstruct another row further to the back
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support arm allows targets in the front row to dynamically adjust their arm position. When a front row target is not in use, its support arm can be pivoted away to prevent obstruction of the line of fire for rear row targets, while still maintaining the capability to extend when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shooting range floor is not at a consistent height, then outdoor shooting conditions are realistic, but it is difficult to adjust the height of target mounts to provide consistent mounting height
Solution Approach 1:
The target mount incorporates adjustable height mechanisms that allow the support arm and mounting structure to be dynamically repositioned vertically. This enables consistent target mounting height across uneven terrain without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools.
4Adaptability or versatility
If targets of different sizes are used, then shooting variety is provided, but the attachment mechanism for the support arm may need to be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate targets of various sizes. The support arm and attachment structure can be adjusted and reconfigured to work with different target dimensions without requiring replacement of the attachment mechanism itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable target mount allows the height of the mount to be adjusted. Additionally, the mount is adjustable to accommodate a variety of different targets and target actuators, and may be quickly moved out of the line of fire without requiring disassembly or removal of the target mount.