Drop Turn Target Pneumatic Control and Segmented Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop/turn targets are difficult to manufacture, prone to wear, and lack adjustability, with exposed mechanisms vulnerable to damage from bullets, making them costly, less durable, and harder to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece top plate design with adjustable 'H' or 'I' shaped slots for the twisted steel shaft, a pneumatically controlled release mechanism, and an air bleed valve to regulate the target's fall and rise, allowing for easier assembly, operation, and adaptation to different modes of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece top plate with a slot is used to hold the twisted steel shaft, then the target can rotate and present the shooting surface at predetermined times, but the slot is difficult to machine and the target is expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate is divided into two separate halves that are machined independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each half to be machined more easily with standard equipment, avoiding the difficulty of machining a single complex slot in one piece, while the assembled halves form the complete slot structure that holds the twisted steel shaft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the top plate is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted easily to account for wear and change orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The top plate is segmented into two adjustable halves that can be independently positioned and secured with bolts. This allows the halves to be shifted relative to each other to accommodate wear on the steel shaft, and the entire top plate assembly can be rotated to change the orientation of the target surface presentation timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The top plate structure is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The two halves can be repositioned along the shaft to compensate for wear, and the entire assembly can be rotated to change operational parameters, allowing the target to adapt to different usage conditions and extend its service life.
3Reliability
If the release mechanism components are exposed, then the structure is simple, but they may be hit by bullets and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism components (lever, pin, spring) are nested within the hollow body of the target rather than being exposed on the exterior. The body acts as a protective enclosure that shields these critical components from bullet impact, while still allowing them to function through internal linkages and the release string mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the target falls through air resistance only, then the fall rate is uncontrolled, but adding control mechanisms increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A pneumatic control system is implemented using an air bleed valve that regulates the flow of air into the hollow body during the target's fall. By controlling the air intake rate, the fall speed can be adjusted and maintained at a desired rate, providing controlled descent without requiring complex mechanical braking or damping mechanisms.
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 solution simplifies manufacturing, enhances durability, and allows for easy adjustment to account for wear, reducing the risk of damage from bullets while providing a more versatile and reliable target system with controlled descent and ascent.
Implementation Method 1
an air bleed valve which controls the rate of fall of the target
Implementation Method 2
an air inlet port which allows a person using the target to raise the target remotely by introducing pressurized air into the target
Data Source
AI summary
An improved drop/turn target is easier to construct and operate than existing drop/turn targets. The drop/turn target may be adjusted for wear, and may easily be configured to operate in a variety of different modes. The drop/turn target may also be raised or lowered during operation and may be automatically reset for subsequent use.