Dynamic Combat Training Apparatus Using Light Beam Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms training methods fail to effectively measure and improve dynamic motor skills required for combat scenarios, where shooters need to rapidly move and respond to threats, as traditional target shooting focuses on static skills and does not account for the rapid movement and reaction times necessary in combat situations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a target device, sensor assembly, and controller to measure movement performance by emitting a light signal along a beam path and detecting changes when a user moves away from a starting location, allowing for the calculation of elapsed time between threat activation and user response, which can include a visual representation of a threat and simulated firearm triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional target shooting training is used, then static motor skills and consistency are improved, but dynamic motor skills and reaction time in combat scenarios deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static target shooting to dynamic combat scenario simulation. The training apparatus incorporates movement detection sensors that track the shooter's position and motion, while the target system can dynamically change positions and present threats in various orientations. This dynamic environment forces the shooter to develop and practice dynamic motor skills for drawing, acquiring targets, and engaging threats while moving, directly addressing the contradiction between static training precision and dynamic combat adaptability.
2Loss of time
If shooters remain stationary at the starting location, then static target acquisition is improved, but response time to moving threats deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning sensors and detection systems at the starting location and along potential threat paths. The movement detection sensors are pre-configured to immediately detect when a shooter moves from the starting location. The target system is pre-programmed with various threat scenarios and positions. When training begins, the system can immediately detect and record the shooter's movement and response time, providing reliable measurement without requiring complex real-time setup.
3Measurement precision
If movement detection sensors are added to measure dynamic skills, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The same sensor components detect multiple parameters: the movement detection sensors measure both the shooter's position changes and movement speed, while the target system simultaneously provides visual targets and records engagement data. The controller integrates multiple functions including timing, movement analysis, and performance evaluation in a single unit. This universal approach allows precise measurement of dynamic skills without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Provides objective feedback on reaction and movement times, enabling shooters to improve their dynamic motor skills and respond effectively to threats in combat scenarios by quantifying their ability to move off the line of attack and engage targets quickly.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter arranged to emit a light signal along a beam path traversing over the starting location
Implementation Method 2
a light detector arranged to detect an interference condition of the light emitter in which the light signal along the beam path is interrupted at the starting location
Implementation Method 3
the sensor assembly further comprises a reflector arranged to be supported along the beam path opposite to the light emitter and light detector in relation to the starting location therebetween, wherein the reflector is arranged to reflect the emitted light signal back across the starting location to the light detector
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is used to measure movement performance of a user undergoing firearm combat training. A light emitter emits a light signal along a beam path traversing over a starting location such that the light signal is interrupted by a user at the starting location. A target device initiates a visual representation of a threat directed towards a user at the starting location. A light detector detects a non-interference condition of the light emitter in which the light signal along the beam path is not interrupted at the starting location. A controller monitors the light detector and determines when the user has moved away from the starting location into the non-interference condition of the light emitter. The controller may also measure an elapsed time between activation of the target device and determination of the non-interference condition of the light emitter.