Autonomous Mobile Target for Flexible Live Fire Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional live fire training environments with moving targets are costly and time-consuming to install and reconfigure, and require extensive maintenance, especially when damage occurs, due to the need for physical infrastructure like earth berms and fixed rails.
Innovation Solution
Deployable robotic targets with GPS positioning, collision avoidance systems, and armor, which can move in two directions and appear to face the direction of travel, allowing for flexible placement and operation from a vehicle, reducing the need for extensive setup and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixed rail target systems are installed with earth berms, then targets can move reliably on fixed rails, but installation becomes time-consuming and costly, and reconfiguration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The target system transitions from static fixed rails to dynamic self-propelled targets that can move autonomously on their own wheels. The targets are no longer constrained to fixed rail paths but can dynamically reposition themselves anywhere in the training area, enabling flexible reconfiguration without physical infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rail guidance system is replaced with electronic control and GPS positioning. Targets use onboard motors and wheel assemblies for self-locomotion, substituting the heavy mechanical rail infrastructure with lightweight autonomous mobile platforms controlled by electronic signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed rail target systems are installed, then targets can be positioned at various distances, but the entire range must be cleared for maintenance of damaged targets
Solution Approach 1:
The target system is segmented into multiple independent autonomous units, each capable of independent operation and maintenance. When one target requires maintenance, others continue operating independently, eliminating the need to clear the entire range and maintaining training productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Target positions are changed dynamically through electronic control parameters rather than physical reconfiguration. Targets can be remotely instructed to move to different positions and distances, maintaining positioning flexibility without requiring physical access to the range for setup changes.
3Loss of time
If moveable targets are deployed from a vehicle, then setup time and costs are reduced, but the vehicle must be positioned in the region of the firing position
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment vehicle serves multiple functions: it transports targets to the range, positions them at appropriate distances, and can retrieve them for maintenance. This multi-functional approach consolidates several operations into a single platform, managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a live fire training environment are described, the methods including the steps of: providing a number of moveable targets, the targets being arranged to move across a ground surface; introducing the targets into a live fire training area, the live fire training area having at least one firing position where participants take up position to fire at the targets; and instructing the targets to commence repeated movements in a generally side to side fashion with respect to the at least one firing position.