Adjustable Target Stand Using Clamped Socket Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target stands are cumbersome and require welding, which weakens the material, and lack an efficient adjustable mechanism to accommodate uneven terrain and varying projectile types.
Innovation Solution
A target stand design using clamped socket plates and leg units made from hardened steel, allowing for angular adjustment without welding, minimal manufacturing processes, and easy disassembly for transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to assemble stand parts, then structural strength is improved, but the hardened steel material is weakened and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is divided into separate modular components (base, upright, crossmembers, feet) that can be independently manufactured and assembled without welding. Each component is made from hardened steel plate and connected through mechanical fastening systems, allowing the structure to achieve required strength while avoiding the material degradation caused by welding.
Solution Approach 2:
Socket plates with elongated slots and corresponding tabs serve as intermediary elements between the upright and base/crossmembers. These intermediaries enable angular adjustment and secure mechanical connection without requiring welding of the hardened steel components themselves, thus preserving material strength while achieving structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stand is made fully adjustable for terrain and angle, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket plate incorporates an elongated slot that allows the upright to be positioned at multiple angles relative to the base. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the stand to adapt to uneven terrain and different target configurations while maintaining a simple mechanical structure without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket plate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides angular adjustment for terrain adaptation, acts as a mechanical connector between components, and enables quick release for transport. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without increasing device complexity through additional specialized mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the stand is designed for easy disassembly and transport, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stand uses segmented modular components connected by standardized fastening mechanisms (bolts, nuts, socket plates). This segmentation allows easy disassembly for transport while the standardized interfaces maintain manufacturing precision requirements at acceptable levels through simple, repeatable fastening operations rather than complex precision assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a target support stand having a base comprising a pair of leg units with body portions situated substantially parallel to each other. Each body portion includes a first pair of corresponding fastener openings. A socket plate has a socket notch extending to an edge thereof and a second pair of fastener openings corresponding in position with the first pairs of fastener openings in the body portions. A separable upright support member has a tab portion sized to be received by the socket notch. The socket plate being clamped between leg units of the base by fasteners extending through the first fastener openings in the body portions and the second fastener openings in the socket plate to define at least one socket for removably receiving the tab portion of the upright support member in the socket notch between body portions.