Helicopter Target Launcher With Sensorless Speed-Triggered Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting target launchers lack efficient mechanisms for rotating and launching targets without dedicated prime movers, and often require complex control systems or two-handed operation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shooting target launcher with a housing, target connector, and motor that rotates the target about an axis of rotation, utilizing sensorless motor control and a launch control system to launch targets after reaching a desired rotational speed, allowing one-handed operation and efficient target launching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing shooting target launchers use dedicated prime movers and complex control systems for rotating and launching targets, then the target launching function is achieved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the prime mover (motor), target connector, and control system into an integrated assembly unit. The motor is positioned to directly drive the target connector, merging the rotation and launching functions into a single coordinated mechanism rather than separate components requiring complex synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The target connector serves multiple functions: it holds the target, connects it to the motor for rotation, and acts as the launching mechanism. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Productivity
If existing shooting target launchers require two-handed operation for launching, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher employs dynamic centrifugal force generated by rotating the target at high speed to achieve launching. This dynamic mechanism allows single-handed operation because the rotational momentum and centrifugal force automatically propel the target outward without requiring a second hand to manually release or push the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating target generates its own launching force through centrifugal action. The system uses the target's own rotational motion to automatically launch it, eliminating the need for additional manual intervention or complex release mechanisms that would require two-handed operation.
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
Enables efficient, one-handed operation and controlled launching of targets with reduced complexity, providing realistic flight trajectories for shooting practice.
Implementation Method 1
The target connector is configured to be rotated by the motor about an axis of rotation to rotate the shooting target about the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A launch control system is configured for sensorless motor control of the motor to launch the shooting target from the target connector after the target connector and the shooting target reach a desired rotational launch speed
Data Source
AI summary
A shooting target launcher, associated components and methods. The launcher spins one or more helicopter-like shooting targets to launch the targets. A target connector receives the targets. The target connector is rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the targets about the axis of rotation. The targets have fan blades that, when rotated, propel the target through the air.