Ecological Shooting Training Panel with Elastomer Mesh
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting training panels and trap systems are heavy, bulky, and inefficient in absorbing and decomposing ammunition, leading to environmental pollution from lead particles and health risks due to ricochets and fragmentation, with complex and costly maintenance procedures.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular shooting training panel with a high-hardness steel mesh and hybrid elastomer layer that absorbs and decomposes projectiles, retaining residues and preventing ricochets, featuring a self-cleaning design and optional rotation system for easy maintenance and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional heavy steel trap systems are used to stop projectiles, then projectile absorption is achieved, but the structure becomes heavy and bulky requiring large installation area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal support frame with high hardness steel plates arranged in a specific pattern, and filling the spaces between plates with hybrid elastomer material. This composite structure achieves effective projectile absorption while significantly reducing the overall weight and volume compared to traditional solid steel traps, as the elastomer provides energy absorption properties without the full density of metal throughout the entire structure.
2Reliability
If fixed barriers are installed to concentrate and fragment projectiles, then kinetic energy is reduced, but lead particles pollute the environment and air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful fragmentation process into a beneficial containment process. Instead of allowing lead particles to disperse into the environment, the hybrid elastomer material captures and retains the fragmented projectile pieces and lead particles within its matrix. The fragmentation that occurs is contained within the panel structure, transforming the harmful dispersion of lead into a controlled retention system that prevents environmental pollution while still reducing kinetic energy through fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid elastomer acts as an intermediary substance between the metal plates and the environment. It serves as a medium that absorbs and retains the fragmented projectile material, preventing direct contact between lead particles and the external environment. This intermediary layer effectively mediates the interaction between the projectile fragmentation process and the surrounding environment, blocking the harmful effects of lead pollution.
3Reliability
If regular disassembly and cleaning operations are performed to remove projectile residues, then accumulation is prevented, but time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service maintenance system through the removable tray design. The tray that collects fragmented projectile residues can be easily extracted from the panel structure without requiring disassembly of the entire trap system. This allows for quick removal and replacement of the tray, enabling maintenance personnel to clear accumulated residues in minimal time. The modular tray design transforms a complex disassembly operation into a simple tray removal and replacement process, dramatically reducing maintenance time and effort.
4Reliability
If metal plates are arranged in a mesh pattern with elastomer filling, then projectile decomposition and retention are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the trap panel into distinct modular components: a metal support frame structure, high hardness steel plates arranged in a specific pattern, hybrid elastomer material filling the spaces, and a removable tray for residue collection. This segmented design allows each component to be manufactured separately using appropriate processes, then assembled into the final panel. The modular nature of the segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to creating a monolithic structure, as each segment can be produced independently with optimized processes for that specific component.
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 panel effectively absorbs and decomposes projectiles of any caliber, prevents environmental pollution, reduces health risks, and simplifies maintenance by allowing self-cleaning and easy part replacement, making it a safe and economical solution for shooting ranges.
Implementation Method 1
the projectiles impact on or in traps and are probably cut in many directions
Implementation Method 2
the absorption of the energy of the projectiles is required
Implementation Method 3
the fragments outlet and concentration hopper (7)... allow the output of these residues (16) from the interior of the single surface (15)
Data Source
AI summary
An ecological shooting training panel has a compact metal sheet retained by a first metal support frame, a rhomboid-shaped metal mesh disposed on the compact metal sheet, and a compact layer of elastomeric material covering the rhomboid-shaped metal mesh. The rhomboid-shaped metal mesh is retained by a second metal support frame connected to the first metal support frame. The elastomeric material is spaced from the compact metal sheet to provide an open gap formed by the compact metal sheet, rhomboid-shaped metal mesh and elastomeric material. A target is configured to be removably mounted over the elastomeric material such that when a projectile is fired at the target, the projectile passes through the target and the combined structural arrangement of the compact metal sheet, rhomboid-shaped metal mesh and elastomeric material absorbs an impact energy of the projectile, and residue generated by the projectile drops through the open gap.