Edible Biodegradable Disc Targets That Survive Launch and Shatter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shooting sports targets are not biodegradable and can be toxic to wildlife, posing environmental and safety hazards due to non-biodegradable and potentially harmful fragments.
Innovation Solution
Manufacture targets using biodegradable and edible ingredients such as alfalfa, flour, and water, with optional binding agents like eggs or beeswax, and a freeze-drying process to create a durable yet brittle structure that shatters upon impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional targets made of pitch and pulverized limestone are used, then the targets are durable and can withstand high-speed throws, but the fragments are non-biodegradable and toxic to wildlife
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters from conventional pitch and limestone to biodegradable ingredients (alfalfa, flour, water, binding agents). This parameter change maintains the target's functional properties while eliminating toxicity to wildlife, as the new materials are naturally biodegradable and edible for animals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material target using multiple natural ingredients (alfalfa, flour, water, and binding agents like eggs or beeswax). This composite approach allows the target to achieve both durability for withstanding high-speed throws and biodegradability for environmental safety, as the combination of natural materials breaks down completely after use.
2Reliability
If conventional targets with non-biodegradable ingredients are used, then the targets provide consistent performance, but removal of fragments is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable targets made from biodegradable materials that naturally decompose after use. Instead of requiring manual removal of persistent fragments, the target is designed to be discarded and allowed to biodegrade in the environment, eliminating the time-consuming fragment removal process while maintaining consistent shooting performance during its service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a discard-and-recover approach where the target is discarded after use and naturally recovered through biodegradation. The natural decomposition process recovers the materials back into the environment without human intervention, replacing the manual recovery process with a natural cyclic process that eliminates ongoing maintenance time.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If targets are made to shatter easily upon impact, then wildlife safety is improved, but the target may not withstand the force of being launched into the air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a target with differentiated structural properties: the outer shell is made brittle to shatter on impact (protecting wildlife), while the internal structure maintains sufficient strength to withstand launch forces. This localized differentiation of mechanical properties allows the target to survive the launch phase but disintegrate safely upon being hit by shotgun pellets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in material composition to achieve contrasting mechanical properties. By adjusting the ratio and type of natural ingredients (alfalfa, flour, binding agents), the target achieves optimal brittleness for shattering on impact while maintaining adequate strength for launch, creating a material that exhibits different strength characteristics under different stress conditions.
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 targets are environmentally friendly, safe for wildlife, and easily biodegradable, maintaining functionality while ensuring safety and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The mold and mixture are then placed into a freezer until hardened. In preferred methods, the compressed mixture is allowed to freeze usually between 30 to 45 minutes. The frozen compression is then removed from the mold and placed into a specialized freeze dryer with a vacuum capable of reaching a temperature of about −54° Fahrenheit. The target is left for approximately 22 to 26 hours or until fully dry.
Data Source
AI summary
A disc target for shooting sports is disclosed that is biodegradable and edible by wildlife. The disc target includes one or more natural ingredients that are readily available and typically inexpensive. The disclosed disc targets are biodegradable and can be consumed by local wildlife. Preferred embodiments of the disc targets are primarily made of alfalfa and/or other natural ingredients such as corn starch that can be used as a binding agent. The disc target can be utilized for shooting sports, such as trap or skeet shooting, as the disclosed disc targets are able to withstand the force of being launched in the air but also easily shatter when hit by only a few pellets from a shotgun.