Frangible Target Suspension via Aperture Tension and Adhesive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target suspension apparatuses are inefficient for preassembling, stacking, and transporting frangible targets, often requiring separate devices for different types of targets and providing limited visual confirmation of shot impacts, leading to increased setup time and potential damage during use.
Innovation Solution
A frangible target suspension apparatus that secures targets to support cords via apertures, adhesive, knots, or clips, allowing vertical or horizontal suspension, with options for additional support and easy assembly on a frame, enabling efficient stacking and space conservation during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frangible targets are held in a stand or supported via wire/hangers connected to a rigid frame, then the target is stable and easy to suspend, but the target holder is damaged or destroyed by misplaced shots, requiring replacement and taking up space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by making the target holder itself frangible - constructed from the same biodegradable material as the targets. When a misplaced shot strikes the holder, it breaks along with the target, preventing damage to expensive equipment and allowing the entire assembly to be easily replaced without complex repairs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the target and holder into a single integrated frangible assembly. The holder is constructed from biodegradable material matching the targets, creating a unified disposable unit that simplifies the system by eliminating the need for separate durable holding structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate target holding devices are used for paper and frangible targets, then each target type has optimized support, but the shooter must utilize multiple devices and the purchaser must buy from different sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal target system where the frangible holder can accommodate both frangible targets and paper targets. The holder's open design allows it to function as a multi-purpose support structure, eliminating the need for separate specialized holders for different target types
3Reliability
If frangible targets are contained within a sleeve for storage, then the targets are protected during transport, but the sleeve impedes stacking of targets in a volume-efficient manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from a separate sleeve container and integrates it directly into the holder structure. The holder itself provides the protective enclosure, eliminating the need for an additional sleeve and allowing targets to stack efficiently without extra packaging volume
4Reliability
If the shooter must place each target by standing, hanging, inserting, or attaching to a target holding device, then the target is securely mounted, but valuable range time is lost installing targets repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling multiple targets onto the holder before arrival at the shooting range. The holder comes prepared with targets already attached, allowing the shooter to simply hang the entire assembly on the range without spending time individually mounting each target
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 apparatus provides quick visual indication of shot impacts, efficient stacking and transport, and versatility in target orientation, reducing setup time and minimizing damage, while allowing for biodegradable materials and various attachment methods.
Implementation Method 1
The support cord is secured to the frangible targets by passing the support cord through apertures in the sides or edges of the frangible targets, wherein tension caused by the weight of the frangible targets binds the support cord to the frangible targets
Implementation Method 2
tension caused by the weight of the frangible targets binds the support cord to the frangible targets
Implementation Method 3
or by securing with adhesive, such as when the support cord is a tape
Data Source
AI summary
A frangible target suspension apparatus wherein the frangible targets are secured to one or more support cords by passing the support cord through apertures in the side edges of the frangible targets and using tension caused by the weight to keep the frangible targets in place on the support cord, or by securing with adhesive, such as when the support cord is a tape, or by knotting the support cord, or utilizing a fastener to secure the support cord to the frangible target. In an alternative embodiment, the frangible target engages a cover with side slots that is placed over the frangible target from the rear retaining the support cord in place within the side slots.