Hoverball Archery Kit with Inflatable Air Vent Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a safe and effective way to experience archery, as the sport has gained popularity, requiring a method that allows participants to engage in archery without the risk of injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A hover ball archery shooting gallery is designed using an inflatable structure with air vents that cause targets to hover, combined with non-lethal arrows featuring foam tips, allowing users to practice archery safely by shooting at suspended targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional archery equipment is used, then archery skill training is effective, but safety risk increases due to potential injury from real arrows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable foam-tipped arrows that are inexpensive and designed for single or limited use. These arrows maintain sufficient flight characteristics for training while eliminating the danger of traditional arrows, allowing safe practice without compromising training value.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam tip acts as an intermediary between the arrow shaft and the target. It provides a cushioning effect that prevents injury upon impact while still allowing the arrow to function as intended for archery training, thus mediating between safety requirements and training effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If real targets are used, then archery practice is realistic, but damage risk increases to property and persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the arrow by adding a foam tip, which fundamentally alters the impact characteristics. This parameter change allows the arrow to maintain its flight and target-seeking properties while transforming the impact from potentially damaging to safe and harmless.
3Reliability
If non-lethal arrows with foam tips are used, then safety is improved, but arrow penetration capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foam-tipped arrows are designed as disposable or limited-use objects that sacrifice penetration capability for safety. The foam tip is intentionally soft and compressible, ensuring that even if penetration occurs, it cannot cause injury, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and penetration force.
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 solution provides a safe environment for archery practice, preventing injuries and damage by using non-lethal arrows and suspended targets, enabling users to learn and engage in the sport without risk.
Implementation Method 1
an air stream is provided through vents in the base to cause the target ball to hover
Data Source
AI summary
In one illustrative form a shooting gallery kit is disclosed that includes a shooting gallery. The shooting gallery comprises an inflatable structure having a base that includes an upper floor; at least one air vent located in said upper floor operable to generate an air stream; at least one target configured to be placed in said air stream such that said target hovers in said air stream; and a blower operable to inflate said inflatable structure and cause said air stream to be emitted from said at least one air vent. A bow and a non-lethal arrow are also included in the kit.