Gravity-Fed Target Disk Supply Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target shooting setups require frequent manual replacement of clay targets, lacking an automated system to replenish targets after being hit, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A target stand with a rotational target supply mechanism that stores multiple target disks, allowing them to gravity-feed new targets as each is hit, without electricity, and collapsible for easy storage and transport, enabling various target sizes and overlays for skill variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of target clays is used, then the target shooting activity can be performed, but the sportsman must frequently trek downrange to replace targets, resulting in loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The target supply mechanism pre-loads multiple target disks into the system before shooting begins. The targets are arranged in a gravity-fed track that automatically feeds new targets to the holder, eliminating the need for frequent manual trips to replace targets during shooting practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gravity to automatically feed target disks from the supply mechanism through the track to the target holder. When a target is shot and removed, the next target automatically drops into position without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself during operation.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed target stand structure is used, then stability is provided, but the stand cannot be easily stored or transported
Solution Approach 1:
The target stand employs telescoping legs with locking mechanisms that allow the structure to be easily extended to a stable shooting height and then collapsed to a compact size for storage and transport. The dynamic design maintains structural integrity during use while enabling convenient portability.
3Quantity of substance
If a rotational target supply mechanism is used, then multiple target disks can be stored and automatically fed, but the mechanism requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The target supply mechanism utilizes vertical space by stacking target disks in a gravity-fed track arrangement rather than spreading them out horizontally. Multiple targets are positioned at different heights along the track, allowing a large quantity of targets to be stored in a compact vertical footprint that minimizes ground space occupation.
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
Provides a convenient, automated, and versatile target replacement system that enhances shooting experience by eliminating the need for frequent manual target replacement, allowing for continuous shooting with adjustable difficulty levels.
Implementation Method 1
the target disks traverse the target disk track by gravity from the top edge of the target supply mechanism to the bottom edge of the target supply mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A target stand for supporting target disks above a ground surface includes a rigid support stand that comprises two side members each having a top end, a bottom end, and a central area, and in some embodiments a cross bar spanning between the central areas of the side members. A target supply mechanism comprises at least a front plate and a rear plate, a target disk track being defined therebetween from a top edge to a bottom edge between the plates. Each side edge of the target supply mechanism is fixed to the top end of one of the side members. A target holder is fixed proximate the bottom edge of the target supply mechanism to receive one or more of the target disks from the target supply mechanism and present the target disks to a target shooter.