Grooved Target Frame for Fast Firearm Target Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target frames for firearms require time-consuming and cumbersome methods for secure attachment and replacement, often relying on compression forces and friction fits that are inefficient and prone to mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A firearm target frame design that uses grooves and slots to securely hold targets without compression forces, allowing for quick and easy replacement by sliding or dropping targets into place, constructed from durable materials like aluminum, steel, or wood, and optionally mounted to the ground or ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression force and friction fit are used to secure targets, then targets can be held in place during shooting, but target replacement becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate components: vertically oriented side members with grooves, a bottom member, and a top member with a slot. This segmentation allows the target to be independently inserted and removed without affecting the frame structure, enabling quick target replacement while maintaining secure target holding through the groove-slot mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression force mechanism is completely extracted from the design. Instead of using friction fit requiring compression, the patent uses a positive engagement system where grooves and slots physically guide and secure the target through geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for continuous compressive force.
2Reliability
If staples, tape, or clips are used to attach targets, then targets can be secured to the frame, but the attachment method becomes cumbersome and prone to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
External attachment elements such as staples, tape, and clips are completely removed from the system. The patent integrates the attachment function directly into the frame structure through grooves and slots that are part of the frame itself, simplifying the mechanism while improving reliability by eliminating separate attachment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment function is merged with the frame structure. The grooves in the side members and the slot in the top member are integral parts of the frame that simultaneously provide structural support and target retention, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a friction fit mechanism is used to hold targets, then targets can be secured during shooting, but the mechanism requires excessive compression force and is prone to mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The friction fit mechanism requiring compression force is completely extracted and replaced with a positive engagement system. The grooves and slots create geometric interlocking that secures the target through shape complementarity rather than friction, eliminating the need for compressive force.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical friction-based retention system is replaced with a geometric constraint system. Instead of relying on friction forces generated by compression, the patent uses the geometry of grooves and slots to physically constrain the target position, substituting a force-based mechanism with a geometry-based mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The frame is comprised of two grooved vertical sides, a grooved horizontal bottom, and a slotted horizontal top that allows a rectangularly shaped target to be easily dropped into place through the slotted top and into the grooved sides and bottom. Any target used in the frame may be preprinted or attached to a supporting backing such as cardboard. The target frame may be of any size. The target frame's side and bottom grooves may be of any width and depth to securely hold the target. The target frame's slotted top will be the same width as the target frame's sides and bottom grooves. The target frame may be constructed of any material such as wood, steel or plastic. The target frame may be attached using any method such as with legs or hanging.