Dual-Fabric Airsoft Target Mount for Ricochet Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Airsoft target backstops are unsafe for indoor use with powerful Airsoft guns, prone to pellet penetration, ricochet, and are not suitable for dynamic shooting scenarios like assault courses.
Innovation Solution
A fabric panel apparatus with a penetrable front panel and non-penetrable rear panel, using different fabrics for each panel to trap pellets between them, preventing ricochets and allowing easy collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mesh catcher is used as a backstop, then it is suitable for indoor use with lower powered guns, but it is not safe for Airsoft guns because pellets can penetrate the mesh
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is divided into two distinct fabric panels (front and rear) with different properties. The front panel is designed to be penetrable to allow pellet passage, while the rear panel is non-penetrable to stop pellets. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing different functional requirements to different segments of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the backstop system have different material qualities. The front panel uses a lighter, penetrable fabric that allows pellets to pass through, while the rear panel uses a heavier, non-penetrable fabric that stops pellets. This local differentiation of material properties enables both pellet containment and safety.
2Device complexity
If a mesh catcher is used, then it is simple in structure, but pellets can ricochet off the mesh causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the potentially harmful ricochet effect into a beneficial containment mechanism. Pellets that would normally ricochet off a single mesh surface are instead directed to pass through the front panel, be stopped by the rear panel, and trapped in the space between panels. The harmful ricochet is transformed into useful pellet retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the front and rear panels acts as an intermediary zone that captures and contains pellets. This intermediate space prevents pellets from ricocheting back into the shooting area by providing a controlled environment where pellets are trapped between the two panels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mesh catcher is used for stationary shooting, then it works adequately, but it cannot be used for assault course training where targets are positioned around a room
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple shooting scenarios including stationary shooting, assault course training, and point-blank range practice. The dual-panel configuration with pellet containment space provides consistent safety and functionality across different shooting disciplines and environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static mesh catchers to a more dynamic dual-panel structure that can adapt to various shooting distances and angles. The design accommodates both stationary and mobile shooting scenarios by providing reliable pellet containment regardless of shooting position or distance.
4Device complexity
If a single panel backstop is used, then it is simple to construct, but there is a high risk of pellet ricochet
Solution Approach 1:
The single panel is segmented into two distinct panels with different functions. The front panel allows pellet passage while the rear panel stops pellets, creating a segmented system that eliminates ricochet while maintaining relative simplicity in construction.
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
Ensures safe indoor shooting by containing pellets between panels, preventing ricochets and facilitating easy collection, suitable for both stationary and dynamic shooting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the front panel is penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range, the rear panel is not penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range
Implementation Method 2
the front panel is not penetrable by a pellet that rebounds off the rear panel
Implementation Method 3
trapping the pellet between the front panel and rear panel
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for mounting a target for Airsoft pellets comprises a front fabric panel and a rear fabric panel of denser material, spaced apart wherein the target can be mounted on the front panel, the front panel is penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range, the rear panel is not penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range, and the front panel is not penetrable by a pellet that rebounds off the rear panel. Airsoft pellets fired at the apparatus are trapped between the panels for easy recovery.