Step Auto Clay Thrower One-Way Clutch Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clay shooting supplies require manual operation and loading of clay targets, leading to operational inconvenience and inefficiency, and previous motorized solutions necessitate large motors and complex gear sets due to the need to overcome spring forces.
Innovation Solution
A step auto clay thrower utilizing a mini motor to automatically return the throwing arm and load clay targets, featuring a one-way clutch mechanism that eliminates the need for a large motor and allows for automatic clay loading by leveraging the throwing arm's return motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor is used to return the throwing arm against spring force, then the throwing arm can be automatically returned, but a large-sized motor and complicated transmission gear set are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a one-way clutch mechanism that allows the throwing arm to rotate freely in the throwing direction while automatically engaging to return the arm to its initial position. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for complex transmission gears and large motors, as the one-way clutch passively utilizes the spring force to return the arm without requiring active motor control in both directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way clutch acts as an intermediary between the motor and the throwing arm, allowing the motor to only provide the initial throwing force while the clutch mechanism mediates the return motion by engaging with the spring force. This intermediary component simplifies the motor requirements and eliminates the need for complicated bidirectional control systems.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to return the throwing arm and load clay, then the structure remains simple, but operational convenience and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-loading mechanism where the throwing arm itself performs the clay loading function during its return motion. As the arm rotates back to its initial position, it automatically picks up clay from the storage container without requiring separate loading mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service approach improves operational convenience while keeping the overall structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the returning motion and clay loading functions into a single integrated process. The throwing arm's return journey serves dual purposes: positioning the arm for the next throw and simultaneously loading clay onto it. This combination eliminates the need for separate loading mechanisms and reduces operational steps.
3Reliability
If the motor must overcome spring force during return, then reliable returning is achieved, but motor size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch mechanism creates a dynamic system where the motor only needs to provide sufficient force for the forward throwing motion. During the return motion, the clutch disengages from motor control and allows the spring force to naturally return the arm. This dynamic switching eliminates the need for the motor to continuously overcome spring force, enabling the use of smaller, lighter motors while maintaining reliable returning through the passive spring-clutch system.
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
Facilitates easy operation with automatic throwing arm return and clay loading, reducing manual labor and enabling the use of a small-sized motor, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way bearing (632) provided in the motor shaft (61) for rotating the motor shaft (61) in one direction
Implementation Method 2
a spring (26) connected to the rear end (451) of the trigger arm (45) and having an opposite end (262) connected to one end of a link (27)
Data Source
AI summary
A step auto clay thrower consisting of a base, a stepping rod, a support, a throwing arm holder, a throwing arm and a mini motor is disclosed. When the stepping rod is depressed, the throwing arm is forced by a second spring to move a link and a first linking member in turning a shaft and a throwing arm forward for causing generation of a centrifugal force to throw a clay away from the throwing arm, and then a motor shaft of the mini motor is driven to rotate the shaft, thereby returning the throwing arm without any manual operation. In the time the throwing arm throws the clay and the throwing arm is returned by the mini motor, the mini motor does not need to overcome the force of the second spring so that the capacity of the mini motor can be minimized.