Knockdown Field Target Resetting via Wireless Motorized Lift Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knockdown field targets require manual resetting, which can be inconvenient and prone to issues such as tangling, wind interference, and inconsistent reset times, leading to a less satisfying shooting experience.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controllable pusher system integrated with a knockdown-field-target resetting system, utilizing a device enclosure, microcontroller, wireless communication module, portable power source, lift arm, and arm actuator, allows for the remote resetting of targets using a radio control transmitter or a smartphone app.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual reset cord is used to reset the target, then the target can be reset remotely, but the cord gets tangled in ground cover, blown away by wind, or tripped over
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reset cord system with an electronic actuation system. A receiver unit mounted on the target base receives wireless signals from a transmitter, activating an electric motor that mechanically pushes the target back to its upright position. This eliminates the need for physical cords that are prone to tangling and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication signal as an intermediary between the shooter and the target reset mechanism. The transmitter sent by the shooter and the receiver unit on the target base communicate through wireless waves, enabling remote control without physical connection. This intermediary signal transmission avoids all the physical interference problems of traditional reset cords.
2Ease of operation
If the target is reset manually by walking to the target, then the target can be reset, but the shooter must leave their shooting position and walk to the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical resetting with an automated electric motor system. The motor, housed in a case on the target base, receives wireless commands and automatically pushes the target back to its upright position, eliminating the need for the shooter to physically walk to and manually reset the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The target reset system becomes self-actuating through the electric motor that automatically performs the resetting action when commanded wirelessly. The system serves itself by using the motor to push the target back without requiring human intervention at the target location, allowing the shooter to remain at their shooting position.
3Ease of operation
If a string is used to reset the target, then the target can be reset from a long distance, but the string gets blown away by wind or moved by someone walking across the range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical string-based mechanical reset system with an electronic wireless control system. The transmitter and receiver communicate through electromagnetic waves, completely eliminating the physical string that is vulnerable to wind and human interference. The motorized system provides a more robust solution immune to environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless electromagnetic signals as an intermediary to transmit reset commands from the shooter to the target. This non-physical intermediary medium is completely immune to wind, gravity, and physical obstruction, solving the problems associated with traditional string-based systems that are susceptible to these harmful factors.
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 and consistent remote resetting of knockdown field targets, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing issues related to tangling or wind interference, thereby enhancing the shooting experience.
Implementation Method 1
an arm actuator operatively integrated between the lift arm and the device enclosure to push the knockdown field target back to its upright starting position
Data Source
AI summary
A knockdown-field-target resetting system is a remote-controlled system to return a knockdown-field-target back to its upright starting position after being shot down by a gun projectile. The system includes a device enclosure, a microcontroller, a wireless communication module, a portable power source, a lift arm, an arm actuator, and a remote control. The microcontroller, the wireless communication module, and the portable power source are housed within the device enclosure. After the knockdown field target is shot down, the remote control sends a wireless instruction, which is received by the microcontroller through the wireless communication module. The microcontroller then instructs the arm actuator to move the knockdown field target back to its upright starting position by pushing the knockdown field target with the lift arm.