Intelligent Ballistic Target with Weighted Impact Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shooting targets lack real-time feedback on hit location and disabling value, failing to simulate real-life scenarios effectively in training military and law enforcement personnel, leading to potentially dangerous firing routines.
Innovation Solution
An interactive ballistic target with sensors detecting impact locations and numbers, a processor weighing hits differently based on target areas, and a mechanism to randomly determine when to release the target, simulating adversary disablement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static targets with uniform scoring are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but training realism and effectiveness deteriorate because they do not reflect real-life scenarios where head shots are more valuable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different scoring weights to different anatomical regions of the target. The head region is assigned a higher weight (e.g., 3 points) compared to the torso (1 point) and extremities (0.5 points), reflecting the differential disabling value of shots to different body parts. This creates a non-uniform scoring system that enhances training realism while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through weighted scoring zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing immediate visual and audible feedback to shooters about hit locations and scoring values. Electronic sensors detect impacts and display real-time scoring information, allowing trainees to understand the effectiveness of their shots. This feedback mechanism reinforces proper shot placement strategy without significantly complicating the target structure.
2Device complexity
If static targets provide no feedback, then device complexity is low, but shooters develop dangerous firing routines that do not reflect real-life encounters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback through electronic sensors and display systems that provide real-time information about hit locations, scoring values, and target status. This feedback prevents dangerous firing routines by allowing shooters to assess target neutralization in real-time, mirroring real-life encounter dynamics where shooters must evaluate whether their shots have achieved the desired effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The target system performs self-service by automatically detecting hits, calculating scores based on anatomical region, and determining target neutralization status without requiring external judgment. The electronic system autonomously provides scoring feedback and can even control target presentation, reducing the need for complex external scoring mechanisms while enhancing training effectiveness.
3Productivity
If all hits are weighted equally for scoring, then scoring is simple and fast, but training effectiveness deteriorates because it does not differentiate between high-value and low-value shot locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific scoring weights that reflect the differential value of shots to different anatomical areas. The electronic scoring system automatically applies these weights (head: 3x, torso: 1x, extremities: 0.5x) to maintain simple, fast scoring while dramatically improving training effectiveness through realistic shot valuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the scoring parameter from uniform weighting to variable weighting based on anatomical region. The electronic system dynamically adjusts the score assigned to each hit based on its location, maintaining fast automated scoring while incorporating realistic shot effectiveness differentials through parameter-based scoring modulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent target comprising a target body suspended from a support structure, at least one sensor affixed to the target body that detects a hit in an area of the target body, a controller, in communication with each sensor, that records the hits detected by the sensor and the area of the target body that was hit and issues a release command when a predetermined number of hits has been reached, and a release mechanism operatively connected with the controller and which releases the target body and allows the body to fall from the support structure on receipt of the release command from the controller.