Hinged Shooting Target With AR-550 Steel And Deflection Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting targets lack portability, safety, and predictability in bullet deflection, with fixed bases that are difficult to transport and set up, and often use low-grade materials susceptible to damage from projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A shooting target system featuring hinged legs and a pin system for easy transportation and setup, made from high-grade AR-550 Abrasion Resistant Steel with an adjustable 15-20 degree deflection angle, using quick pins and a wheel attachment for mobility, and designed to prevent damage from projectiles by deflecting them predictably downward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing targets use fixed bases with low-grade angle iron and tubing, then the target structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the target is difficult to transport and the materials are susceptible to damage from projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The target system is divided into separate modular components including the target plate, base, and support legs that can be assembled and disassembled independently. This segmentation allows for easier transportation while maintaining structural integrity through high-grade AR-550 steel construction in each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining high-grade AR-550 abrasion resistant steel with appropriately selected fasteners and connecting hardware. This composite approach creates a durable system where each material is optimized for its specific function, providing both strength and resistance to projectile damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing targets use fixed bases, then the target structure is stable, but the target is difficult to transport and set up
Solution Approach 1:
The support legs are designed with hinge joints that allow the structure to transition between a collapsed transport configuration and an expanded operational configuration. This dynamic design enables easy setup and teardown while maintaining stability during use through proper geometric arrangement of the legs.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is segmented into separate legs that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows the legs to be folded together for compact transport and then spread out to provide a stable base when the target is in use.
3Device complexity
If existing targets do not have a built-in safety angle, then the target design is simpler, but the bullet deflection is unpredictable and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The target plate is designed with a specific angular orientation (15-20 degrees from perpendicular) that changes the parameter of bullet deflection direction. This angular parameter ensures that deflected bullets are directed safely toward the ground rather than back toward the shooter or in unpredictable directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potentially harmful effect of bullet deflection into a beneficial safety feature by carefully engineering the deflection angle. The 15-20 degree angle from perpendicular ensures that deflected bullets are redirected toward the ground, transforming what could be an unsafe unpredictable bounce into a controlled safe deflection path.
4Strength
If existing targets use bolts or hardware to secure the target silhouette, then the attachment is firm, but the hardware can be impacted by projectiles, damaged, and send bullets in unpredictable directions
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts or removes traditional bolts and hardware from the attachment system. Instead, the target silhouette is secured using methods that eliminate hard fasteners, such as through deformation fitting or other mechanisms that avoid metal-to-metal contact points that could be struck by projectiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system uses simple, replaceable fasteners or securing mechanisms that are inexpensive and can be easily replaced if damaged. These simple fasteners minimize the risk and cost associated with projectile damage compared to complex hardware systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for a shooting target with improved portability and safety over existing devices. The target uses a pin system for storing the legs, which are easily removed and used to form a base. In addition, accessories are described for a shooting target system and method such as a wheel base, side targets, a swinging “dueling target” system, and “popper” side targets.