Archery Target Layered UHMWPE Fabric Arrow Penetration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing archery targets fail to prevent arrows and similar projectiles from penetrating completely through the target, leading to damage on the opposite side and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A projectile target with a layered construction, featuring puncture-resistant interior layers made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics, sandwiched between foam target layers. The interior layers are unsecured in the central area to allow deformation and absorb kinetic energy, preventing arrows from penetrating through the target.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single layer of foam is used for the target, then the target is simple and easy to manufacture, but arrows can penetrate completely through the target

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration resistanceVSAvoidlayered construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target is divided into multiple functional layers: front foam layer, puncture-resistant fabric layer, and rear foam layer. Each layer serves a specific purpose in stopping the arrow, with the fabric layer providing the critical puncture resistance that the foam alone cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines dissimilar materials (foam and puncture-resistant fabric) into a composite structure. The foam provides energy absorption and structural support, while the fabric layer provides puncture resistance, creating a target that effectively stops arrows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If two pieces of foam are adhered together to increase thickness, then arrow penetration is slowed, but the arrow still exits through the opposing side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration resistanceVSAvoidtarget construction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The puncture-resistant fabric layer acts as an intermediary between the two foam layers. It is sandwiched between them to provide the critical puncture resistance that prevents arrow penetration, while the foam layers provide structural support and energy absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the target is made thicker to prevent penetration, then durability improves, but the target becomes heavier and more cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidtarget weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a thin film of puncture-resistant fabric instead of adding substantial thickness of foam material. This thin fabric layer provides the necessary puncture resistance to stop arrows without significantly increasing the target's weight or size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If arrows penetrate through the target, then the opposite side is marred and the target becomes a one-sided target, but preventing penetration requires complex construction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-sided usabilityVSAvoidlayered construction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target is segmented into distinct layers with the puncture-resistant fabric positioned centrally. This segmentation ensures that arrows are stopped before reaching either outer foam surface, enabling both sides to function as usable target faces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The target effectively prevents arrows from penetrating completely, allowing both sides of the target to be used for practice while maintaining durability and allowing easy removal of arrows.

Implementation Method 1

the interior layers comprise an unsecured central area or central portion and a secured outer periphery... this deformation of the interior layers may also help reduce the kinetic energy of the arrow acting transverse to the plane of the puncture resistant interior layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The interior layer material has sufficient puncture resistance to reduce the kinetic force of the arrow to a level that may allow continued piercing of the interior layers but no or only limited piercing of the back target layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12298113B2Projectile target for archery practice

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 BOWER JAMES

AI summary

A projectile target preferably for archery practice is provided, which includes an improved construction for assembling the target and capturing arrows and other similar projectiles while preventing the arrows and similar projectiles from penetrating entirely through the target and projecting through or exiting the opposite side of the target. The target may be provided in a two-sided configuration with target patterns on both opposite faces of the target body. The main target body preferably is formed of a layered construction with at least first and second target layers which are joined in facing relation to form the main target body. The first and second target layers form first and second halves of the main body, which are joined together in facing relation to define a central plane in which a puncture resistant middle layer section is formed.