Disposable Modular Target Systems for Range Cost Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional target ranges face high costs and logistical challenges due to the use of surplus vehicles as targets, which require hazardous material removal, frequent maintenance, and complex egress/ingress route clearance, and are not readily recyclable.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular, recyclable target devices made of lightweight materials without hazards, designed to remain intact under impacts and easily assembled/disassembled for efficient transportation and recycling, allowing for reduced labor and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional surplus vehicles are used as targets, then the targets can be readily obtained, but they require hazardous material removal, frequent maintenance, and are not readily recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable target objects made from inexpensive, hazard-free materials such as foam core and plywood. These targets are designed to be used once or a limited number of times and then discarded without requiring hazardous material removal or extensive maintenance, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of preparation and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of conventional targets that replicate the essential functional characteristics (size, shape, impact response) without incorporating hazardous materials. These replica targets provide the same training value while eliminating the need for hazardous material handling and complex preparation procedures
2Reliability
If conventional targets are used, then they can provide realistic training scenarios, but they require complex egress/ingress route clearance and high labor costs for placement and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target system into modular components that can be independently handled, transported, and deployed. This segmentation allows targets to be placed and retrieved through simpler logistics chains without requiring complex route clearance, while maintaining training effectiveness through proper design of the modular units
Solution Approach 2:
By using disposable, lightweight target materials, the patent eliminates the need for complex retrieval operations. Targets can be easily transported to and from the range without requiring heavy equipment or extensive route clearance, significantly reducing labor costs and operational complexity while maintaining training value
3Reliability
If conventional targets are used, then they can simulate real combat conditions, but they fragment and blow apart requiring periodic maintenance and recovery team inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable target philosophy where targets are designed to withstand a predetermined number of impacts or training sessions and then are replaced rather than repaired. This approach uses inexpensive materials that eliminate the need for complex maintenance operations, recovery team inspections for hazards, and costly repairs, while ensuring consistent training quality throughout the target's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs targets with built-in impact absorption capabilities using materials like foam core that are specifically selected to dissipate impact energy in predictable ways. This beforehand cushioning allows targets to withstand repeated impacts without fragmenting or requiring maintenance, maintaining structural integrity throughout their designed service life
Data Source
AI summary
Targets, a target range system, and methods for economical operation of a target range. A preferred method includes providing a target range site; providing a target resembling a conventional target in dimension and appearing, yet having a weight that is substantially less than the weight of the conventional target. The target has a plurality of interconnecting plates made of recyclable material and is devoid of hazards comprising munitions, fuels, and radioactive materials. The ingress and egress routes for the target are reduced as compared to routes for conventional targets and enable cost savings. The targets are also readily recycled, enabling additional economic advantage.